HC Deb 14 February 1994 vol 237 c618W
Ms Primarolo

To 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. Sackville

These 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 Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which EC countries have a hepatitis B universal vaccination strategy in place.

Mr. Sackville

We 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 Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the carrier rate of hepatitis B in England per 1,000 population.

Mr. Sackville

The 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 Primarolo

To 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. Sackville

Confirmed 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.