HC Deb 31 July 1941 vol 373 c1560W
Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of, and deaths from, diphtheria have occurred in fully-immunised children in Leicester, Norwich, Newcastle-on-Tyne, York, Sheffield and Bedford, from the time immunisation was introduced, up to date?

Mr. E. Brown

The information desired by my hon. Friend would involve an amount of retrospective investigation which I do not feel could be justified under present conditions. Immunisation against diphtheria has been used, to some extent, for several years past; and apart from the time and labour which the necessary investigations would require, it is doubtful whether the desired facts could now be accurately established. Statistics are to be obtained from all local authorities in due course which will show, as from 1st January, 1940, to what extent notification of diphtheria has occurred among children under 15 who have been immunised.