§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks of the coroner at the Southwark inquest on Bulbir Singh who died of rabies as a result of a dog bite in India, and the need for vigilance in observing restrictions imposed to prevent an outbreak of rabies; what action of a positive nature is taken at ports of entry to ensure that persons have not been infected with rabies and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moyle:I have seen press reports of the inquest. The incubation period for rabies in human beings can vary from two weeks to over a year and the disease is caught from infected animals with no accidental transmission known from man to man. Myrighthon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food maintains strict import controls, including quarantine, on the entry of animals into this country. Special surveillance of persons at ports of entry would not, therefore, be practicable or necessary.