HC Deb 04 November 1947 vol 443 cc1512-3
21. Dr. Segal

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give the figures for the incidence of venereal disease among Army personnel in the United Kingdom and the various theatres overseas for each of the first three quarters of 1947.

Mr. Shinwell

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Dr. Segal

Without in any way anticipating the OFFICIAL REPORT, could my right hon. Friend let us have the figures for Central Europe?

Mr. Shinwell

If by Central Europe my hon. Friend means Germany, the figures in the first quarter of the present year were 36.4, and, for the second quarter, 34.8. [HON. MEMBERS: "Of what? "] It is the incidence.

Mr. George Thomas

Is it 36.4 per cent. of the personnel, or per thousand?

Mr. Shinwell

It is per thousand.

Following is the answer:

INCIDENCE OF VENEREAL DISEASE AMONG BRITISH ARMY TROOPS IN MAJOR THEATRES JANUARY—JUNE, 1947.
Quarterly Rates per 1,000 Strength.
— 1st Quarter. 2nd Quarter.
United Kingdom 5.2 5.5
Germany 36.4 34.8
Italy 23.7 34.1
Austria 36.8 34.7
Middle East 6.7 4.7
Far East 32.6 27.7
Japan 61.2 46.8

Notes:

1. Figures for third quarter are not yet available.

2. As a result of administrative changes, Middle East, includes Malta and East Africa as from 1st April, 1947. The sharp fall in the second quarter is at least partly attributable to a reduction in the number of troops in Greece, where the rate of venereal disease was high.

3. The number of troops in Japan is small and sharp fluctations are therefore to be expected.