HC Deb 07 May 1953 vol 515 cc553-4
21. Mr. Storey

asked the Minister of Health for the latest convenient period, what proportion of the notifications of tuberculosis refer to persons who had recently entered the country from Eire.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The present returns from medical officers of health make no distinction as to nationality. I regret, therefore, that the information is not available.

Mr. Storey

In view of the fact that the incidence of tuberculosis is 50 per cent. higher in Eire than it is in this country, and in view also of the fact that in some parts of the country a large proportion of notifications are amongst persons who have recently come from Eire, does my right hon. Friend not think it would be a good thing to insist upon radiographical screening and a certificate of fitness before allowing people to come from Eire to seek employment in this country?

Mr. Macleod

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, there are a number of other people and Ministries involved in this. He is quite right in what he says that a certain amount of difficulty has been caused by people coming from Eire, and I will see whether we ought to get more information on this subject and whether steps should be taken at the ports and airports.