HC Deb 29 April 1959 vol 604 cc132-3W
Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health how many persons over 21 years of age have contracted poliomyelitis in Great Britain during the last 20 years; how many of the cases have been paralytic; and how many have died from poliomyelitis.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The figures are given for ages 25 and over, as separate figures by reference to age 21 are not available. Figures by reference to age were introduced in 1944 and distinguishing paralytic and non-paralytic forms in 1950.

The following is the information for ages 25 and over in England and Wales for the years 1939–1958. Figures for Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Year Final notifications of poliomyelitis Deaths due to poliomyelitis (all forms)
Paralytic Non-paralytic
1939 Not available by age 25
1940 " " 50
1941 " " 47
1942 " " 34
1943 " " 32
1944 61 43
1945 116 62
1946 101 52
1947 1,258 241
1948 333 98
1949 890 241
1950 967 328 271
1951 323 204 97
1952 562 180 144
1953 667 268 140
1954 232 91 66
1955 804 370 142
1956 368 218 82
1957 782 238 157
*1958 290 91 Figures not yet available
*1958 figures are provisional.