§ Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Health if he will make leprosy a notifiable disease.
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir. This question has been carefully considered, but I am advised that leprosy is not in the same category as the diseases to which compulsory 199W notification applies in this country, where conditions are such that it is most unlikely to spread. The disease is almost exclusively contracted abroad and administrative arrangements are in force whereby any case of leprosy found by the Service medical authorities or through the Emergency Hospital Service is brought to my Department's notice: and all practicable steps are taken to deal with it with due regard to the medical and social wellbeing of the unfortunate sufferer.