§ Mr. C. WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the statements in the official reports on the health of the Navy, which show that pocket anti-venereal outfits, or prophylactic packets for self-disinfection, are provided for the use of all ranks in the Navy, and that definite and detailed instructions are given to the personnel as to the technique of self-disinfection at the time of exposure to venereal infection, and subsequently in the ablution chamber; and if it is proposed to continue these practices in the Navy, having regard to the youth of many of the personnel, the repugnance of many people to the State provision of such facilities, and the fact that the official statistics for the Army show that many men who have used the prophylactic outfit according to instructions have been infected?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe Committee of Inquiry on Venereal Disease over which Lord Trevethin presided in 1923 concluded that substantial results may reasonably be expected to follow from these prophylactic measures. The Committee did not think that there is any justification for putting obstacles in the way of individuals who desire to procure disinfectants as a measure of protection against venereal disease. It is therefore proposed to continue to provide such facilities for the voluntary use of naval personnel. No coercion is employed to induce men to make use of these facilities. On the other hand,882W every endeavour is made to warn them of the dangers of promiscuous sexual intercourse by means of lectures, and to inculcate a healthful morale by the provision of organised games, recreation and entertainments at all ports, at home and abroad.