HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 c746W
Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of long-stay immigrants from countries where the incidence of tuberculosis is high have been medically examined on entry, so as to prevent infecting others.

Mr. Moyle

Statistics of medical examinations are not available in this form.

Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the arrangements at Heathrow and other airports for diagnosing tuberculosis in immigrants from countries where the tuberculosis rate is high.

Mr. Moyle

Yes, bearing in mind the complementary arrangements before and after entry. Most Commonwealth countries have prior examination of applicants for entry certificates or employment vouchers. The disease is such, however, that it may develop after entry, perhaps because of the change in environmental conditions. Reliance must, therefore, be placed on local health services for measures to detect and prevent infection and as far as practicable medical officers for environmental health are advised of immigrants arriving to settle in their areas.