§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of cases of leprosy in the United Kingdom in each of the last four 504W years; if he will indicate the advice received by his Department as to the best way to avoid the incidence and spread of this disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleLeprosy is an uncommon disease in this country. Twenty-two cases were registered in 1975, twenty-five in 1976, 22 in 1977 and 20 in 1978. No cases of indigenously contracted leprosy have been reported since the disease became notifiable in 1951.
A revised edition of the memorandum on leprosy, prepared by the consultant adviser in leprosy to the Department, was sent to all medical practitioners in March 1977. It describes the clinical and epidemiological features of leprosy and includes a section on the prevention and control of the disease. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.