HC Deb 18 April 2002 vol 383 cc1181-2W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported cases there were of TB in(a) London and (b) West Sussex in each year since 1997. [47552]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The number of reported cases of human tuberculosis in the London region and to West Sussex health authority from 1997 to 2000 is shown in the table.

Year Number of tuberculosis notifications in London (by region) Number of tuberculosis notifications to West Sussex health authority
1997 2,411 36
1998 2,444 29
1999 2,493 32
2000 2,834 42
20011 2,917 62
1 Provisional

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the screening process for TB in children. [47537]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Children are not routinely screened for TB unless they are in a high-risk group such as a close contact of a new TB case.

A tuberculin skin test is carried out before BCG immunisation. The test assesses the individuals sensitivity to tuberculin protein. Those with a positive test are not given BCG. Those with strongly positive tests are referred to a chest clinic for assessment of the need for further investigation and treatment.