§ 1. Commander Keransasked the Minister of Health whether he will issue instructions that venereal disease be compulsorily reportable.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernard Braine)No, Sir. I am sure that this would hinder progress rather than help it.
§ Commander KeransIs my hon. Friend aware that there are many diseases sexually transmitted which do not come under the legal definition of venereal disease? In view of the fairly large and substantial increase amongst young persons, surely the Minister will reconsider his attitude?
§ Mr. BraineNo, Sir. I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that the increase in certain diseases since 1954 is a matter 2 of serious concern, but compulsory notification of venereal disease would be of little use, unless treatment of the patient, notification of his consorts and examination and treatment of the consorts were also made compulsory. Only in the most exceptional circumstances would such extensive compulsion be acceptable in this country, even if it were likely to be effective.