HC Deb 02 May 1950 vol 474 cc1566-7
39. Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 14 patients recovering from smallpox had ever been vaccinated.

Miss Herbison

All the patients who are recovering from smallpox had been successfully vaccinated either in infancy or later. The number concerned is 12, the diagnosis of smallpox not having been confirmed in the other three patients who are recovering.

40. Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage of infants who were vaccinated during the past 12 months up to the latest convenient date; and what was the yearly average of infants vaccinated over the 10 years previous to this.

Miss Herbison

In the year ended 31st December, 1949, some 18 per cent. of the infants under one year of age are known to have been vaccinated, but the figures are not complete. For the 10 years 19381947, the yearly average percentage of infants vaccinated was 53.

Mr. Galbraith

In view of the fact that all those who died of smallpox had not been successfully vaccinated, what does the hon. Lady intend to do to halt this decrease in the number of young people who are now being vaccinated?

Miss Herbison

The figure of 18 per cent. is by no means the average figure for 1949. The returns from local health authorities showed a figure of 18 per cent., but there is discussion going on now between the local health authorities and the general practitioners about their returns which have not yet been made. We hope that at the meeting to be held in the near future some arrangements will be made and the returns will come in. Until they do come in, we cannot get the correct percentage.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

When my hon. Friend says that some had not been successfully vaccinated, does that mean they had been vaccinated but their death subsequently proved that the vaccination was not effective?

Miss Herbison

Not at all. I was dealing only with those who are recovering, all of whom had been successfully vaccinated.

Mr. Galbraith

The hon. Lady has indicated that the number of infants being vaccinated this year will probably be in excess of 18 per cent., but as the difference between 18 per cent. and 53 per cent. is so much, I should like to ask her to answer the supplementary question I put; namely: What does she intend to do to increase the number of vaccinations among young children?

Miss Herbison

We must wait until we have the complete figures, although we realise the seriousness of the position and are hoping that the recent smallpox scare will make the public realise how important this is. Every step will be taken by the Department, as in the case of diphtheria immunisation to have children vaccinated.