HC Deb 29 July 1957 vol 574 cc849-50
18. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of smallpox have been notified during the first six months of this year.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Two cases were notified in the twenty-six weeks to 29th June, 1957.

19. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the recent outbreak of smallpox in the London area, he will consider making vaccination compulsory.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

This would require legislation. Experience of compulsory vaccination before 1948 does not suggest that a higher proportion of the population would be protected against smallpox than under the current voluntary arrangements.

Mrs. Braddock

As smallpox is becoming difficult to diagnose, and in view of the difficulty in a recent case when doctors disagreed, will the hon. Gentleman make certain that the officers of the Ministry have some knowledge of diagnosing smallpox so that the difficulty which has been experienced will not recur?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I will do my best to ensure that my officers comply with the hon. Lady's requirements, but I do not think I am the best person to teach them how to diagnose smallpox.

41. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements exist between his Department and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in respect of the medical examination and detection of smallpox and other infectious or contagious diseases among passengers to this country from Africa, India and elsewhere.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I assume this relates to air traffic. It is a joint responsibility to arrange for health control at State-owned airports. This gives wide powers for dealing with any case or suspected case of communicable disease arriving in this country, including medical examination and surveillance of passengers where necessary. The scheme is operated by local authorities through airport medical officers.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that I was not referring exclusively to air transport but to all kinds of overseas transport? Can he say why it is that a passenger did arrive with smallpox and was undetected either on disembarkation or in transit?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I suppose the answer is the troubles of diagnosis to which the hon. Member for Liverpool, Exchange (Mrs. Braddock)referred earlier.