HC Deb 13 December 1979 vol 975 c746W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will in stitute a nationwide programme to draw attention to the small proportion of the population who are adequately protected against poliomyelitis, and the danger of the disease becoming more serious and prevalent.

Sir George Young

I am aware of estimates to the contrary, but I am advised that the present low incidence of poliomyelitis in this country, coupled with the relatively high uptake of infant immunisation, suggests that the level of immunity among the general population is quite high and that a nationwide programme would not, therefore, be appropriate.