§ 3. Dr. Stuttafordasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many girls were vaccinated against German measles in 1970 and 1971.
§ Mr. AlisonThe scheme was launched in September, 1970, and returns by local health authorities show that 112,220 girls in England were vaccinated against rubella in 1970. Figures for 1971 are not yet available.
§ Dr. StuttafordIs my hon. Friend aware that although these figures may be encouraging as a start we still have a very long way to go? To take just one abnormality, is he aware, for instance, that one in a thousand children are born deaf, that about 15 per cent. are probably due to German measles and that these figures can be applied across the whole range of congenital defects? Therefore, would he do everything to encourage every girl who might conceivably be having a baby at some stage in the future to be vaccinated against German measles?
§ Mr. AlisonI accept the real benefits which can come from vaccination. My hon. Friend will realise that the 1970 vaccinations started only in September of that year, so the figures represent only three months' work. I am sure that the 1971 figures will be very much higher.
§ Mr. PavittDoes the hon. Gentleman recognise that this is the greatest breakthrough in the battle against deafness for 100 years? In that light, will he accede to his hon. Friend's request to take television time and step up the whole programme of increasing the age range of those liable to suffer from rubella to be vaccinated before deafness results?
§ Mr. AlisonWe accept the very important development that this represents. The hon. Gentleman knows that vaccination is offered to all girls between their eleventh and fourteenth birthdays.