§ 43. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health the arrangements by means of which immigrants from Eire and the West Indies are made aware of the facilities available in Britain for protection against pulmonary tuberculosis; and what steps he proposes to take to extend the use of the B.C.G. vaccine, now manufactured in Britain.
§ Mr. TurtonThe same arrangements apply to immigrants as to residents in this country. I am considering what further advice I should give to local health authorities regarding the greater use of B.C.G. vaccination for the protection of school children before leaving school.
§ Dr. StrossWould the Minister give consideration to the extension of this preparation—which is, I believe, a new, dry preparation made in Britain—not only to school leavers but, perhaps, to children aged 5 if the parents are willing to have them so treated?
§ Mr. TurtonThe British vaccine is not yet available for general use, and I think, therefore, that that part of the question does not arise. What I am considering doing is sending out very shortly a circular to local health authorities urging them to offer vaccination to all 13-year-old children.
§ Dr. SummerskillAre all the immigrants from the West Indies X-rayed before they settle down?
§ Mr. TurtonNo, but there is no evidence that the incidence of T.B. is particularly high among the West Indian immigrants compared with the general incidence in the areas where they settle.
§ Dr. SummerskillHow does the right hon. Gentleman know that if they are not X-rayed?
§ Mr. TurtonI said there is no evidence of it.
§ Dr. SummerskillHow does the right hon. Gentleman know that there is no evidence if they are not examined for tuberculosis when they arrive here?
§ Mr. TurtonI have no evidence of the fact.