HC Deb 25 March 1957 vol 567 cc781-2
18. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Health what examination of immigrants into the United Kingdom is made to determine whether they are suffering from tuberculosis or other communicable diseases.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Any alien immigrant may be subjected to a general medical examination before he is permitted to land. Where tuberculosis is suspected in any person, British or alien, coming to this country the port medical officer notifies the medical officer of health of the district to which the person is proceeding so that he may be brought under observation. The port medical officer has power to examine any person if he has reason to think he is suffering from any other infectious disease, apart from venereal disease.

Mr. Iremonger

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask, when he says "may be", whether he can give some indication how far it is in fact done, and whether what he says applies to airports as well as to seaports?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I could not give any figures relating to the exact percentages which are examined.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the overcrowded conditions in which so many of these immigrants have to live when they come here, why could they not get X-ray treatment in this country before they go to their homes?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

If the right hon. Lady will look at the reply which my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Miss Hornsby-Smith) gave on 5th November, 1956, she will see that my right hon. Friend the present Minister of Labour, when Minister of Health, had decided that the establishment of a health check sufficiently thorough to deny entry to tuberculous persons would involve further restrictions out of all proportion to the danger involved.

Dr. Summerskill

That was in 1956. If we consider it necessary to X-ray our own people in factories in order to diagnose this condition, why is it not equally important to X-ray immigrants?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Because it involves new restrictions. I will, however, look at the point again.

Mr. Iremonger

Does this apply to airports?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Yes, Sir.