§ Lord Gisboroughasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will state the number of persons found suffering from Hansen's disease in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years; and what percentage have been cured.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Glenarthur)The number of cases of Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) registered in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years is as follows:
Year Number of cases 1975 22 1976 26 1977 22 1978 20 1979 27 1980 28 1981 23 1982 27 1983 17 1984 18 Leprosy takes a considerable time to treat, with some sufferers requiring treatment for life. About 78 per cent. of all registered cases are reported as no longer requiring medical treatment or surveillance.