§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to introduce AIDS testing of the prison population.
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§ Mr. Douglas HoggOur policy on blood testing of prisoners for HIV antibody follows the Government's policy for the general community. Routine testing is not carried out and there are no plans to introduce it.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what precautions are being taken in prisons to safeguard prisoners from infection by the AIDS virus.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggOur preventive measures include systematic medical inquiry and examination at the reception stage, counselling of individual prisoners, precautionary regime restrictions at the discretion of the medical officer for prisoners identified as HIV antibody positive, and a strong emphasis on educational initiatives directed to all prisoners. A purpose-designed video film for prisoners is at an advanced stage of preparation.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if there are any plans to make it a criminal offence to infect someone with the AIDS virus either knowingly or negligently.
§ Mr. John PattenI refer refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Butler) on 22 April, column 591–92.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to introduce AIIDS testing on immigrants arriving to stay in Britain for more than 12 months on(a) a voluntary basis and (b) on a compulsory basis.
§ Mr. RentonWe have no such plans at present. The Government do not believe that such measures would have any significant effect in reducing the spread of AIDS in this country. Nevertheless, they are keeping the position under review.