§ 39. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increased incidence of venereal diseases shown by recent statistics, he will now initiate a national campaign of popular education and warning in regard to the infectious characteristics of these diseases.
§ Mr. PowellBefore deciding what further measures of education ought to be taken, I shall need to study the result of inquiries now being made by my Standing Medical Advisory Committee, by a commission of the British Medical Association and by the Co-operative Clinical Group.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that this alarming increase, which was revealed in the figures which he gave me recently, is comprised substantially of young people? Is he not aware that many of these young people appear to be quite ignorant of what is a natural hazard but what, to some of them at any rate, I think, appears to be a spare-time occupation? Will not he give a personal lead in encouraging this education, once he receives the report?
§ Mr. PowellYes, Sir. I will try to do so, but the important thing is to understand better than we do at present the underlying causes of this phenomenon.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIn order to keep the matter in perspective, will the Minister agree that, while there has been a disturbing rise in the incidence of gonorrhoea, syphilis is still broadly under control?
§ Mr. PowellThat is so.
§ 40. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the statistical table relating to cases of gonorrhoea in the annual report of his chief medical 928 officer for the year 1959, which was issued until November, 1960, relates only to 1958; and whether, in view of the importance of this subject, he will ensure that future reports contain more up-to-date statistics.
§ Mr. PowellThe main statistical table includes figures for 1959; quarterly figures appear in my Ministry's Monthly Bulletin.