Government to investigate immigration public health

An inquiry into the impact of immigration on public health is to be launched by the Government to establish how many people arriving in Britain are carrying infectious diseases.

The Cabinet Office will lead the inquiry, ordered after a rise in the number of immigrants diagnosed with an infectious disease and fears over rising rates of tuberculosis.

About 6,500 people with hepatitis B enter Britain each year, according to estimates by the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS), and 75 per cent of heterosexuals diagnosed as HIV positive last year were from Africa. One report suggested tuberculosis infection rates in some parts of London are now at Third World levels.

The inquiry will try to establish authoritative figures and decide if any new measures need to be introduced to protect public health. A Department of Health spokesman said the Cabinet Office had been asked to lead the review to "establish the facts" on immigration, asylum and related public health issues. "The review follows an upsurge in infectious diseases globally over the past few years," he said.

Last month Lord Turnberg, the former head of the PHLS called for medical tests for immigrants before they entered the country. He said the measures were needed to combat the spread of tuberculosis and HIV. He was supported by a former president of the British Medical Association and a professor of infectious diseases.

At present, the only medical tests for immigrants to Britain are voluntary after arrival.

Some countries, such as Canada, insist all would-be immigrants pay for health tests including those for tuberculosis and HIV in their home country with a doctor accredited by the government.

The idea of testing immigrants was first proposed 20 years ago when members of the Conservative government suggested it could protect Britain from the world-wide Aids epidemic. That was discounted by scientists, but the idea is now back on the political agenda, although last month Hazel Blears, the minister for public health, rejected compulsory testing of immigrants. She said forced medical examinations might drive people with diseases underground.

At least 70 countries, including the United States and Australia, insist on HIV testing for anyone intending to settle in the country.