§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the subject of compensation for haemophiliacs infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Department has received 15 letters from hon. Members and two letters from haemophilia reference centre directors.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) pursuant to his answer of 22 January, Official Report, column 716, whether he will cite the precise epidemiological research which shows that the HIV (AIDS virus) is transmitted during sexual intercourse;
(2) pursuant to his answer of 22 January, Official Report, column 716, whether he will cite the precise epidemiological research which shows that HIV (AIDS virus) is transmitted in semen.
§ Mr. NewtonI refer the hon. Member to the letter in the British Medical Journal of 14th February from the Director of the Public Health Laboratory Service written on behalf of the Government's expert advisory group on AIDS. There is overwhelming evidence that the majority of those who are infected with HIV in the USA and Europe have been engaged in penetrative sexual intercourse with men who were either subsequently found to be themselves infected or were thought to be so infected. Several studies have shown that the partner who receives semen from another is at particular risk and there is also evidence that wearing a condom provides some protection. I am sending the hon. Member a list of references to the relevant literature and placing a copy in the Library.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his answer of 22 January, Official Report, column 716, whether he will explain why his Department gave advice to dentists that masks should be worn during dental surgery to reduce the risk of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus.
§ Mr. NewtonThere is no evidence that HIV has ever been transmitted to or from a dentist in the course of his or her work. The Department recommended the wearing of face masks as a precaution for dentists when using high speed drills or ultrasonic scalers because aerosol spray or splashing and splattering of blood or blood-stained saliva is likely. It is not known if blood containing HIV is infectious when inhaled, but as it can transmit infection following other parenteral routes, wearing of face masks by dentists appears a sensible precaution. It should also provide protection against commoner infections that are transmitted through saliva.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many young persons held in community homes have been tested for HIV; how many of these were consulted before the tests were carried out; how many 627W agreed and refused; how many were HIV positive; and, in the case of this latter group, what consequent decisions have been taken concerning their treatment or detention;
(2) how many young persons he estimates have been, or are, currently held in secure units in community homes under care orders who have the AIDS virus; under what Act and section they are held; and how long they have been held.
§ Mr. FowlerI shall let the hon. Member have a reply tomorrow.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his practice to (a) gather and (b) publish information relating to treatment facilities for AIDS sufferers by (i) region and (ii) district.
§ Mr. NewtonRegions and districts submit to the Department their plans for dealing with AIDS in their area. The AIDS (Control) Bill, currently before the House, makes provision for publishing detailed information about the facilities and services available in each health authority for the treatment and care of people with AIDS.