asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to counteract the increased incidence of venereal disease amongst young people.

Local health authorities, hospitals and general practitioners were reminded last year of their responsibility to co-operate in efforts to reduce the incidence of venereal disease generally, but I am not satisfied that we yet under stand sufficiently the significance or causes of the increase amongst young people, and I am considering how these can best be investigated.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him if he does not agree that this is an extremely serious problem owing to the new drug-resistant strains of infection that are about, and, while moral objurgations in these days are unfortunately rather discounted, does he not consider it within his scope at least to emphasise the virtues of personal cleanliness, which have lapsed in so many instances at the same time as other virtues?

I am not sure that moral objurgations come within the scope of my Department, but I am sure that all those concerned understand the importance of emphasising the right rules upon all those with whom they come in contact.

What form does this propaganda take? The right hon. Gentleman will recollect that the public health propaganda on the subject of venereal disease was obvious to the ordinary citizen. Now, I could not say, and the ordinary person could not say, where these people can see the notices about clinics. Can he tell the House what is being done and why this has been relaxed prematurely?

I am not aware that there has been any relaxation of this publicity. Indeed, only this year my Department has informed local health authorities, which are the primary authorities, of further propaganda material which has been made available for their use.