§ 43 Mr. W. J. Taylorasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware of the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis amongst foreign workers in Bradford; and whether he will now cause a much stricter medical examination to be made of foreign workers entering this, country by the immigration authorities:
(2) how many cases of pulmonary tuberculosis among foreign workers in Bradford were notified in each of the years, 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950; and what percentage these figures represent of the total number of cases notified in the same years;
(3) if he will make a statement on the inquiry he has recently caused to be made about the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among foreign workers in Bradford.
§ Mr. MarquandNotifications of respiratory tuberculosis among foreign workers in Bradford in the years 1947 to 1950 were respectively nil, 6, 15 and 26. The last three figures represented 2.9, 5.4 and 10.4 per cent. of the total notifications in that city. Over half the cases were European volunteer workers, who are medically examined for tuberculosis before being brought to this country, and most of the others were ex-prisoners of war or members of the Polish Armed Forces. I am examining with other Ministers concerned whether anything more can be done to prevent immigration of foreign workers with tuberculosis.
§ Mr. TaylorWill the Minister take note of the fact that out of 225 cases among European volunteer workers examined by the tuberculosis officer for Bradford, 52 were found to be positive and 21 suspect? Does he not think, having regard to those very serious figures, that a more strict examination 2000 should be made of those people when they enter the country?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir. But I do not think I can deal any more effectively with these points than I have already done in answer to the Question.