23. Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Mr. Marshall) on 4 November at columns397–8.
§ 30. Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the numbers of (a) males and (b) females, who are carriers of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus in (i) Scotland, (ii) Strathclyde and (iii) Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayIt is not possible to estimate the total number of carriers of the AIDS virus in Scotland. However, by 30 September 1986, reports were received from Scottish laboratories of 619 males and 235 females who were found, on having their blood tested, to have antibodies to the virus. Of these, 140 males and 40 females were the subject of tests carried out by laboratories in Glasgow; but since patients are not identified in reports on these tests their place of residence is unknown.