§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the considerable increase in diphtheria notifications and deaths in the 126 great towns of England and Wales in the period December, 1940, to March, 1941, as compared with the corresponding period of 1939 and 1940; to what extent this increase corresponded with a large increase in the number of children immunised; whether he is aware that many doctors have produced evidence 2013W of immunisation causing outbreaks of diphtheria through the creation of carriers; and whether he will have a thorough investigation made into the causes of the serious increase in diphtheria following the drive for immunisation?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am aware that the number of deaths from diphtheria in the 126 great towns during the first quarter of 1941 was greater than in the corresponding periods of 1939 and 1940. The number of notifications in the same period was greater than in the first quarter of 1940, but less than in the first quarter of 1939. I have no figures, as yet, to show the increase in the number of children immunised during the first three months of 1941. In any case this cannot be related to the total of deaths from diphtheria in persons of all ages: nor can the effects of the disease over a short period be related to the number of inoculations carried out in that same period, immunisation being essentially a prospective and long-term safeguard. I am not aware of any facts which suggest that immunisation causes outbreaks of diphtheria, but there is ample evidence that in places where it has been widely applied to children under 15 the disease has been practically eliminated. The answer to the last part of the Question is No.
§ Dr. Hillasked the Minister of Health what percentage it is estimated of the child population must be made immune if diphtheria is to be eliminated; whether it is expected that this percentage will be achieved in a reasonable time by persuasion, in the face of hostile propaganda; and, if not, what objection exists to compulsory immunisation?
§ Mr. BrownIt is estimated that if three-quarters of the number of children at each year of age below 15 were immune against diphtheria, and this level were maintained year by year, the disease would be practically abolished. It would be premature to forecast the result of the steps now being taken to promote immunisation, but I trust that the good sense of parents will in the great majority of cases lead them to secure for their children this vital protection.