§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the President of the Local Government Board, In how many boroughs of the United Kingdom the compulsory notification of smallpox and other infectious diseases is compulsory; and, if, having regard to the increased density of population and the additional public danger of infec- 1470 tious diseases, Her Majesty's Government contemplated the introduction, of a Bill to extend such compulsory notification, either to all the boroughs not at present possessing such powers, or to those in which the majority of the ratepayers may elect, by their representatives in the Town Councils, to adopt them?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)The system of compulsory notification of infectious diseases is in force in England and Wales in 43 boroughs and four Local Board districts. I have no precise information at the present moment with regard to Scotland and Ireland; but if my hon. Friend wishes I will procure it. The question as to the introduction of a Bill to extend the system of compulsory notification is under consideration.