HC Deb 05 May 1987 vol 115 cc315-6W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to arrange for staff of his Department to be screened for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus.

Mr. Hurd

[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 334]: No.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any current or former staff of his Department have been found to have developed AIDS or antibodies to HIV.

Mr. Hurd

[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 343]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister for Health on 22 April at column 627–8.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that staff of his Department are warned about those homosexual and other activities which are deemed to involve a high risk of AIDS infection.

Mr. Hurd

[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c.344]: In April 1986, the Management and Personnel Office, after consulting the Government's chief medical officer, circulated to all Departments guidance to managers and model notes for staff. This Department has issued guidance and information to staff whose duties may put them in contact with AIDS sufferers, or with samples containing the virus. Information has also been provided to personnel management and welfare staff. In addition. members of staff will have received copies of the DHSS leaflet distributed in January 1987 to all households in the United Kingdom. The need for further advice to staff is under review.