§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War the approximate percentage of men who have been treated for venereal disease in this war or the approximate percentage of decrease compared with the last war; what percentage has been discharged from the Forces because of venereal disease; and whether he is satisfied that all possible steps have been taken to reduce the incidence of this disease.
§ Sir J. GriggIn the years 1940 to 1943 inclusive there were in this country on the average just under II fresh cases a year of venereal disease per 1,000 troops. The average figure for 1915 to 1918 inclusive was 29½ per 1,000, but these figures include relapses as well as fresh cases. They are not, therefore, strictly comparable with the present figures, but they show that there has been a very substantial decrease. Of the total number of men discharged from the Army on medical grounds 3 per 1,000 were discharged on account of venereal disease. All possible steps have been taken and every possible method in the way of education, provision of recreation, prophylaxis and treatment is being actively, investigated with a view to decreasing wastage from these essentially preventable diseases.