§ MR. BONSOR (Surrey, Wimbledon)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the increase of scarlet fever in the Metropolis; and, whether an investigation has been made by his Department as to the primary causes; and, if so, whether they are similar to those which produced the recent epidemic at Wimbledon and Hendon?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) () Tower Hamlets, St. George'sThere has been a large increase in the number of admissions of scarlet fever patients to the hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board. On the 25th of this 468 month there were in these hospitals 749 patients suffering from scarlet fever. Last year the number of patients on the 26th of August was 336, and there was a continuous increase until the 1st of December, when the number was 618. The recent increase in the number of admissions, no doubt, leads to the inference that there is an increase in the number of scarlet fever cases in the Metropolis; but it is satisfactory to state that the mortality from this disease, as shown by the Registrar General's Returns, has been below the average. The prevalence of the disease is general throughout London, there being only three out of the 30 unions and parishes in the Metropolis from which cases have not been received into the hospitals. The question as to the influence which disease in much cows may exercise as a starting point for epidemics of scarlet fever is recognized by the Board as a subject for investigation, when the circumstances connected with an outbreak are such as to suggest than an investigation may be pursued under conditions which favour the ascertaining of the facts. The widespread prevalence of the disease in the Metropolis, however, does not afford facilities for such an investigation.