HC Deb 08 May 1973 vol 856 cc52-3W
Mr. Kinsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the recent cases of suspected smallpox, if he will strengthen health controls on people coming into Great Britain from areas affected by the disease.

Sir K. Joseph

All travellers arriving from areas where smallpox is endemic or where the disease is temporarily present must produce valid international certificates of vaccination or be placed under surveillance or in isolation. The requirements are in accordance with the international health regulations of the World Health Organisation and with arrangements for the co-ordination of measures to control the disease which have been agreed with a number of European countries under the Council of Europe (Partial Agreement). The working of the control measures is kept under close consideration, but I am not aware of any evidence that the present arrangements are inadequate.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will provide that every parent who wishes to have his child vaccinated against smallpox may do so on request.

Mr. Alison

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him of 13th November 1972, and to my letter of 13th December, to which I have nothing to add.— [Vol. 846, c.49–50.]