§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many cases of TB have been identified in each of the last three years among(a) those seeking asylum in the UK and (b) those seeking permanent settlement in the UK; [36019]
(2) what levels of TB immunisation have been identified in (a) those seeking asylum in the UK and (b) those seeking permanent settlement in the UK in each of the last three years. [36018]
§ Ms JowellI have been asked to reply.
Information is not routinely collected in the form requested. However, at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, where the majority of asylum seekers and immigrants arrive, and where facilities for the x-ray screening of new entrants are available, the following number of cases of active tuberculosis (TB) have been identified.
397W
Year Asylum seekers Immigrants Total 1995–96 30 4 34 1996–97 18 9 27 1997–98 20 25 145 1 Figures to mid-March only. Immigrants from high prevalence areas for TB and asylum seekers are recognised as high risk groups for TB. We have a two pronged approach to prevention and control of TB in new immigrants to this country. The first is to screen those at highest risk at ports of entry, and the second is to offer more detailed screening, including skin testing, locally when they arrive at their destination. This second part of the procedure allows detection not only of active cases but also those who would benefit from the preventive measures such as chemoprophylaxis and those with negative skin tests to be protected by immunisation with Bacillus Calmette Guèrin. The Department and the Home Office are presently reviewing these procedures and looking at ways of improving screening for tuberculosis.