HC Deb 23 November 1964 vol 702 cc903-4
14. Miss Quennell

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fresh rise in infectious venereal diseases recently reported by his Department, he will undertake a special study of the problem, especially as it affects teenagers.

Mr. Robinson

A Committee appointed by the British Medical Association issued a report last March, and another relevant study by the Central Council for Health Education is nearly complete.

Miss Quennell

Will the right hon. Gentleman give support to these proposals when they are issued? Also, has he had any contact with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science so that in pursuit of this rather deadly disease, which affects particularly our youngsters, the services of the Ministry of Education can also be enlisted?

Mr. Robinson

As the hon. Lady knows, the root cause of the disease is promiscuity, which is a social and a moral rather than a medical matter. I would rather await the results of the investigation which I mentioned in my original Answer which is being carried out into the sexual behaviour of young people and is sponsored by the Nuffield Foundation. In the light of that and of any recommendations that there may be, I should be very pleased to discuss relevant aspects with my right hon. Friend.

Miss Quennell

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the spread of these diseases is caused largely by ignorance?

Mr. Robinson

To a considerable extent, I agree.