§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health how many cases of diphtheria have been recorded in Huddersfield in children who have been immunised against that disease; and whether there have been any deaths in immunised children during the period in which immunisation has been practised?
§ Sir K. WoodI have been in communication with the local authority and the following is the information which they have furnished on this subject:
Approximately 50 per cent. of the children of Huddersfield have been immunised to protect them against diphtheria. During the past four years amongst the 50 per cent. not treated by immunisation there were 1,138 cases of diphtheria resulting in 133 deaths. During the same period amongst the 50 per cent. treated by immunisation there were 40 cases of diphtheria resulting in one death. The one death referred to above is the only instance in which a death has occurred in a child who had been immunised.