§ 41. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Health what are the percentage variations in 1959 compared with 1958 of new patients suffering from gonorrhoea seen in clinics in England and Wales, respectively; what are the percentage variations in 1959 compared with 1958 of new patients suffering from venereal diseases classified as other conditions seen in clinics in England and Wales, respectively; and what steps are being taken to investigate the increase of venereal disease in Wales and to increase educative propaganda in Wales.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Enoch Powell)New patients suffering from gonorrhoea seen in clinics in 1959 increased by 12.1 per cent. in England and 23.5 per cent. in Wales compared with 1958. The corresponding figures for "other conditions" are 7.5 per cent. and 17.7 per cent. respectively. The number of new cases in Wales was however still much lower in proportion to population than in England. On the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Dr. D. Johnson) on 13th February.
§ Mr. AbseDoes not the right hon. Gentleman regard these figures, as far as they affect Wales, as unfortunate, bearing in mind that there appears to he good reason for believing that the main source of infection in Wales is the reservoir of untreated young women who are refusing, because of ignorance and fear, to attend clinics? Would he consider taking educative space in popular women's magazines—in anecdotal form if necessary—in order to bring the matter home?
Will he further consider the possibility of auxiliary and full-time nurses being attached to clinics, in order that they could, through the methods to which they are accustomed, bring home to these young women the importance of having early treatment?
§ Mr. PowellThis trend is disquieting, both inside and outside the Principality, but I am sure that the investigations which are taking place will throw light upon the underlying causes of the movement in Wales and England. Until we know more about that, it will be impossible properly to direct the effort which has to be made to check the trend.