§ 58. Dr. Summerskillasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider adding German measles to the list of notifiable diseases.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganMy right hon. Friend has considered this and has been advised that since it cannot be effectively controlled, there is no epidemiological purpose in making it notifiable.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many authorities now believe that there is a relationship between German measles and congenital defects? In view of this, surely there should be a national record of German measles in this country?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI am advised that there is evidence that German measles does have certain consequences in certain conditions, but I am also advised that in our present state of knowledge the degree of risk cannot be assessed with certainty.
§ Dr. SummerskillIf there is a chance of that amount of danger about which we all know, surely the cost of compiling a register is very small, compared with the danger of allowing matters to continue as they are without the knowledge which could be obtained from a register?
§ Mr. NabarroWhat about Norwegian spots for a change?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI think we have to bear in mind the form which this disease takes, and it is no good making it notifiable if such instructions may be disregarded.