[Britain got rid of TB in the 1930's and the immigrants are bringing it back-ed]

Cases of tuberculosis are increasing, official figures show.

Provisional data from the Health Protection Agency show a rise of 2% from 2005 to 2006 to 8,171 cases across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

London continues to account for the highest proportion of cases - 42% - but there has been a slight decrease in the actual number of cases there.

The figures are released to mark World TB Day on Saturday, which aims to raise awareness of the condition.

Dr John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: “Since the late 1980s the number of people diagnosed with TB has risen every year and, in line with this trend, 2006 shows a slight increase.

Read More