HC Deb 06 April 1965 vol 710 cc60-1W
Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Minister of Health what proportion of babies born in each Welsh county and each county borough are born in hospital.

Mr. Loughlin

Following are the figures:

we will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.

Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Minister of Health if he will seek to establish, with the collaboration of the Governments concerned, medical teams from the United Kingdom in the main countries of origin to carry out an examination of would-be immigrants to this country; and if he will arrange for second health checks of immigrants at the ports of entry into this country, in order to discourage evasion and correct mistakes.

Mr. Loughlin

The arrangements at the ports of entry have recently been improved and my right hon. Friend intends to study their effect before deciding whether further measures are needed.

Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Minister of Health if, in order to help recent immigrants to understand the British National Health Service and to explain to them the aims of the public health system, he will produce short pamphlets in English and in the languages of the main immigrant groups.

Mr. Loughlin

Newly arrived immigrants who are referred to medical inspectors at ports of entry are now given a card printed in six languages informing them of medical and dental treatment facilities under the National Health Service and advising them to register with a doctor as soon as they reach their destination. Medical officers of health have also been asked to arrange for them to be visited soon after arrival by officers of the local health authority who will explain to them personally what services are available. Several local health authorities also produce leaflets in the language of immigrants in their areas.