§ 13. Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to protect police officers, ambulance personnel, doctors and nurses from the risk of catching hepatitis B virus.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Allan MacKay)Guidance was issued by the Scottish Home and Health Department on 3 December 1984 on precautions to be taken to protect health care personnel from the risk of contracting hepatitis B in the course of their work. We are at present considering whether guidance should be given to the police service on this matter.
§ Mr. George RobertsonDoes not the serious increase in cases of the deadly hepatitis B show that the increasing drug epidemic is spreading its effects to the people employed in the police, ambulance and hospital services who are obliged to deal with addicts? Is it not a fact that there is genuine concern in these services that complacency in high places has been shown because such instructions came so late in the day? Is the Minister convinced that the steps now taken will give the appropriate protection to those who come into contact with drug addicts?
§ Mr. MacKayIt is indeed a serious problem, and it is worth stressing that an increase in the incidence of hepatitis B is one of the consequences of drug addiction. We are following the advice of the expert joint committee on vaccination and immunisation. We are also considering the point about police officers, in consultation with the Association of Police Officers. There is a very successful immunisation against hepatitis B which can be carried out on anyone who thinks that he has been in contact with sufferers in such a way as to be in danger of contracting the disease.