§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in the light of recent outbreaks of typhoid in Southampton, he will take steps to reduce the risk of visitors coming into the United Kingdom carrying such diseases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenMy medical advisers assure me that the requirement to notify any case of typhoid fever to the local medical officer for environmental health coupled with Britain's high general standards of personal and environmental hygiene, are the most effective safeguards against the spread of the disease in this country, and that a requirement for immunisation or compulsory examination at the port of entry would not reduce the risk to the public. Such a requirement would also cause serious inconvenience to travellers. However, the cases in Southampton do highlight the importance of all those planning a holiday or business trip abroad, checking what health protection they need at least six weeks before their date of departure.
The majority of travel agents now have the Prestel viewdata service which gives up-to-date information on recommended or required vaccinations or other protective measures against diseases in 190 countries. In addition, I have increased by 50 per cent. the print of leaflets on health protection and medical costs. This year five million 142W copies are being widely distributed throughout the country. The leaflets are leaflet SA35 "Protect Your Health Abroad" — and leaflet SA30 "Medical Costs Abroad". They are free and are available from travel agents, local offices of the DHSS (SA30 only) and the DHSS Leaflets Unit, PO Box 21 Stanmore HA7 1AY.