§ 30. Mr. Gurdenasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that all Commonwealth and other immigrants undergo efficient health checks on arrival in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonCertain categories of immigrants are not medically examined on entry to this country, particularly entitled dependants from the Commonwealth who cannot be required to submit themselves for medical examination; but with these exceptions, all Commonwealth citizens and aliens coming here for settlement are normally referred for examination by a medical inspector.
§ Mr. GurdenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many local medical officers have shown their concern and think that all immigrants should undergo a check in view of the fact that fatal diseases have been imported in this way?
§ Mr. RobinsonI am sure that the hon. Gentleman would not want to exaggerate the hazard. I assure him that I shall continue to do all I can to improve health safeguards within the limits of my powers. But, as I have explained, there is no power to require dependants to submit themselves for examination.
§ Dr. WinstanleyWould it not be better for all concerned if more effective arrangements could be made for medical examination of these people at the point of embarkation rather than leaving it until they arrive here.
§ Mr. RobinsonDiscussions are in progress with this objective in view.
§ Dr. David KerrDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that most of the incidence of diseases such as T.B. arises in the immigrant population after arrival here? Does not this point to the fact that they need better health care than they have been able to obtain in their countries of origin?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, Sir. My hon. Friend makes an important point in relation to this question.