Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Thursday, 28 October 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on tuberculosis prevention in the Province. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on tuberculosis prevention in the Province. [188603] Angela Smith: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland is low with 67 cases in 2002 and a crude rate of 3.9 per 100,000 population. Rates are over three times greater in England and Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety's Regional Advisory Committee on Communicable Disease Control has a TB subcommittee which keeps prevention and surveillance issues constantly under review. The Chief Medical Officer issued a letter to the health service on 30 April 2002 endorsing and enclosing the updated clinical guidelines on control and prevention of TB of the British Thoracic Society's joint tuberculosis committee. They highlight the importance of early treatment and contact tracing and provide extended advice on TB in schools. The BCG programme continues to be offered to all school children from age ten to 14.

Secondary information