HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc920-1
46. Mr. Kitson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to compel people who have not been inoculated against typhoid fever returning to this country from areas where typhoid is endemic to leave a forwarding address so that they can be contacted in the event of an outbreak of typhoid fever.

62. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the recent cases of typhoid aboard the "Angelina Lauro" and S.S. "Mercury", he is satisfied with the arrangements made when ships with suspected typhoid cases dock at British ports; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. John Dunwoody

Our arrangements conform with international requirements and practice and are in general satisfactory. A requirement to notify addresses would create undue difficulties for travellers and is permissible under the international sanitary regulations only in situations where there is a grave danger to public health.

Mr. Kitson

In view of the number of typhoid cases reported this year, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that enough advice is given to people travelling to countries where the disease is endemic on the precautions which they should be taking?

Dr. Dunwoody

We intend in the course of the next few months to issue information to travel agents and others associated with the tourist trade so that they can pass on appropriate advice to travellers. However, the problem should be kept in perspective. So far this year the total number of notifications of typhoid in the country has been 129 and the number of deaths one.

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