HC Deb 01 April 1963 vol 675 cc16-7
20. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the incidence of venereal disease has increased or decreased during the past five years and 25 years, respectively, and in particular among young people; and what further steps have been taken to deal with this matter.

Mr. Braine

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Sorensen

Meanwhile, may I ask my hon. Friend whether, broadly speaking, it shows an increase or a decrease? In the information which he is kindly to send to me does he discriminate between the two major kinds of venereal disease? Does he give information about the incidence in local parts of the country and what is being done in those areas?

Mr. Braine

I am happy to say that the trend in the incidence of syphilis has been downwards, although there was a small rise between 1959 and 1961. Information about age groups is not available, but it is known that there has been a considerable increase recently in gonorrhoea among young people. I will look at the question of localities and see whether we can include that information. If not, I will write to the hon. Member to see how best we can resolve that query.

Mr. Marsh

Is not one of the most disturbing features of the problem the fact that the rise in the total figures of venereal disease has been consistent for several years and is, I understand, higher than it was at the worst period of the war? If that is so, will the Minister tell us—while recognising all the difficulties—whether the Government have any change to announce in their policy or any new method of trying to control what is becoming an extremely serious social problem in relation to young people?

Mr. Braine

I cannot endorse what the hon. Member said at the beginning of his supplementary question. It would be as well to await the publication of the figures. We are actively engaged in improving the facilities for diagnosis and treatment, and a survey of V.D. clinics is being undertaken by my Department at present. Studies and inquiries are being undertaken by the British Medical Association and the British Co-operative Clinical Group of V.D. consultants. A long-term inquiry is being undertaken by the Central Council for Health Education. My right hon. Friend's Standing Medical Advisory Committee is considering the problem and is keeping it under review. The matter is actively engaging the attention of all concerned.

Mr. Sorensen

I do not know why this information could not have been given to me in the first place.

Following are the figures: Complete information is not available, but the total numbers of new cases at clinics in 1937, 1957 and 1961, respectively, were for syphilis 13,234, 4,977, and 4,442 and for gonorrhoea 37,037, 24,381 and 37,107; the ages of the cases are not available; continued health education and contact tracing, and the further improvement of facilities for diagnosis and treatment.