§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what prevalence rates of HIV infection have been detected amongst bisexual and homosexual men attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in London.
§ Mr. NewtonIt is not possible to establish accurately the prevalence rates. Information on the type of clinic at which a blood sample is taken for HIV testing and the total numbers of homosexual and bisexual men is not available. Individuals attending sexually transmitted disease clinics may not admit to being homosexual or bisexual. However, among known homosexuals attending such clinics in London, published work describes rates of HIV infection between about 10 per cent. and 30 per cent. The detected rates among known bisexuals are lower.
§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information his Department has on the dominant mode of infection by HIV in Africa.
§ Mr. NewtonAlmost all cases of identified HIV infection in Africa are reported to be in heterosexually active adults or in babies. Some cases of infection in all age groups can be linked to therapeutic injections or infusions including blood transfusions. The dominant modes of infection of HIV in Africa are thought to be heterosexual intercourse and vertical transmission (mother to baby).