Every immigrant arriving in the UK should be screened for diseases like HIV, a former president of the British Medical Association has said.

Lord Walton of Detchant said he was concerned about the number of people arriving in the country with HIV or drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Speaking in the House of Lords, he suggested the UK should follow the example of other countries which screen immigrants before allowing them to stay.

Many other countries impose strict medical conditions on entry

Lord Walton

Ministers said the government was reviewing the current procedures.

At the moment, immigration officers are required to refer individuals who appear in poor physical or mental health to the port medical inspector.

Medical checks

They are also told to refer any individuals who say they are coming to the UK specifically for medical treatment.

In addition, those seeking to stay longer than six months should also be examined.

Lord Walton, who served as BMA president in the early 1980s, told peers that more could be done.

"Many other countries impose strict medical conditions on entry.

"Fifty years ago, when I went as a young researcher to the US, I had to take with me an X-ray to show that I was not suffering from tuberculosis."

Home Office minister Lord Bassam said the medical checks are carried out on many immigrants.

In response to Lord Walton, he said: "You have drawn attention to the fact that there are practices abroad that are different from our own but those countries, like the US and Australia, have had long periods of inward migration.

"I would not want to give the impression that initial checks are not undertaken at the port of entry, where it is appropriate."

He said it was an issue the government took seriously and was keeping under review.

Lord Bassam also confirmed that anyone with a chronic illness who has already arrived in the UK would not be deported.

It followed a question from Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Michael Turnbull.

He asked for a "categorical assurance that those already here, who have chronic illnesses, should have medical facilities as freely available to them as they are to UK citizens".

Lord Bassam replied: "Of course we ensure that that is the case."

Action urged

Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox said a recent rise in TB rates showed the government needed to act.

"Ministers should introduce systematic screening for TB at the port of entry for those intending to reside in the UK.

"This would be in the interests not only of public health, but also of the individuals themselves, since they need appropriate treatment.

"The government must not wait until we have a widespread infection rate before acting - that would be wholly irresponsible."