Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, with a view to combating the increase in venereal disease in certain areas in Scotland, he will take immediate steps to make this disease compulsorily notifiable, empowering local authorities to follow up and treat the victims of this disease and to undertake the necessary preventive measures to check the prevailing increase of solicitation?
Mr. JohnstonThe first part of the Question raises highly controversial issues. But powers have been taken by Defence Regulation under which medical officers of health may require any person who has been reported by two separate patients as the source of infection, to undergo medical examination and any necessary treatment, and to remain under treatment until certified free from infection. I am bringing these powers to the attention of local health authorities and their medical officers of health. The result of the operation of the regulation will be kept under regular review. With regard to the last part of the Question it is open to any police authority which considers it necessary for the purpose of dealing with solicitation, to apply for my approval to an increase in police personnel.