HC Deb 28 January 1988 vol 126 cc393-4W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek powers to give directions to holiday tour operations to include within tour brochures advice in relation to protection against AIDS, including that relating to obtaining medical treatment involving the use of blood, blood products and hypodermic syringes.

Mr. Newton

[holding answer 26 January 1988]: The Department's health advice to those travelling overseas is at present being revised and will be issued in two new leaflets: "The Traveller's Guide to Health Before You Go" (SA40) and "The Traveller's Guide to Health — While You Are Away" (SA41). These leaflets include advice on taking precautions against AIDS and refer to the risk associated with medical treatment requiring surgery, injections or blood transfusions. We are receiving excellent co-operation from travel agents' representatives in the distribution of these leaflets to their member agencies and we see no need for further powers.