Leprosy

HC Deb 27 April 1959 vol 604 cc884-5

29 and 30. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Minister of Health (1) how many cases of leprosy were known in the United Kingdom at 31st December, 1958;

(2) how many cases of leprosy affecting persons born in the United Kingdom were known at 31st December, 1958.

Mr. Walker-Smith

At 31st December, 1958, there were 275 cases of leprosy known in the United Kingdom. I regret that information as to the country of birth of persons suffering from leprosy is not available.

Mr. Pannell

In view of the fact that there were only 46 cases in 1951 and that the number has now risen to 275, can my right hon. Friend give any reason for the alarming increase? Can he also tell me why it is impossible to analyse such a small figure in order to get the countries of origin of patients suffering from this dread disease?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is that this disease is contracted outside this country. That is why I cannot tell him specifically to what the increase is due. As for the second part of his supplementary question, if he will read the Public Health (Leprosy) Regulations, 1951, he will see what particulars have to be notified to the chief medical officer, and that they do not include the country of birth. It would require a statutory amendment to obtain that information.

Mr. Pannell

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the situation is becoming so serious that some regulations should be observed, particularly in regard to people coming to this country suffering from this disease?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I do not think that the numbers show a situation which could be described as serious. It is true that there are more cases than there were, but these are being treated and there is no evidence of a spread of leprosy in this country.

31. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Minister of Health in which hospitals in the United Kingdom patients are treated for leprosy.

Mr. Walker-Smith

There are two special units in England and Wales where in-patient treatment is given, one of which is outside the National Health Service. In addition, many sufferers from leprosy can be treated as out-patients at hospitals without special facilities. I am informed that in Scotland patients are treated at any major infectious diseases hospital or at the tropical diseases unit of the Eastern General Hospital, Edinburgh.