§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the percentage carrier rate for hepatitis B among pregnant women in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. SackvilleThese data are not collected routinely but studies have shown carrier rates between on in 2,000–0.05 per cent.—in rural areas and 1 in 100–1 per cent.—in some inner city areas.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which EC countries have a hepatitis B universal vaccination strategy in place.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe understand that only Italy has a universal vaccination strategy in place; in addition, seven of the autonomous regions of Spain have introduced universal adolescent vaccination. All other European Union countries have a selective strategy aimed at particularly higher risk groups.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the carrier rate of hepatitis B in England per 1,000 population.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe prevalance of hepatitis B carriage in the United Kingdom is low. Recent data from analysis of blood donations suggest that it is in the order of one in 1,500–0.07 per cent.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence she has of acquisition of hepatitis B by blood products in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. SackvilleConfirmed cases of hepatitis B infection reported to the public health laboratory service's communicable disease surveillance centre—England and Wales—where the patient had a history of receiving blood or blood products within the United Kingdom during the previous six months, and where no other risk factors were present were:
Number 1988 8 1989 4 1990 3 1991 3 1992 2 Figures for 1993 are still being received.