HC Deb 17 February 1984 vol 54 cc351-2W
Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure people know the health protection they need before they go abroad.

Mr. John Patten

People should check on the health protection they need as soon as possible if they are planning a holiday abroad or business trip. Malaria is on the increase with over 1,800 cases last year in the United Kingdom, and nearly 200 people caught typhoid, but these figures show the need for people to check what they should do to make sure that they get the right vaccination or other protective health measures well before they go abroad. Doctors should be consulted six to eight weeks before proposed departure.

The great majority of travel agents now have the Prestel viewdata service which gives up to date information on any disease that needs vaccination or other protective measures for any country in the world. In addition I have increased the number of leaflets printed by 50 per cent. so that this year five million copies of the leaflets* on health protection and medical costs abroad are being widely distributed throughout the country. Copies are held by travel agents, British Airways, the Automobile Association, and other groups who come into contact with travellers. They can also be obtained by writing to DHSS Leaflets Unit, PO Box 21, Stanmore HA7 1AY for anyone who has difficulty getting a copy.

(2) if he intends to reduce the amount of money he will be making available for the under-fives initiative in (a) 1983–84, (b) 1984–85 and (c) 1985–86.

Mr. Newton

Present indications are that about £750,000 will be advanced to participating voluntary agencies before the end of the financial year. As announced, £2 million will be available to fund the under-fives initiative in both 1984–85 and 1985–86 and allocations have been made to participating agencies accordingly. I was glad to be able to announce to the agencies when I met them on 15 February that we are extending the initiative into 1986–87 to take account of the late start in 1983–84.