§ MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE (Hereford)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is aware that small-pox is increasing in Gloucester at the rate of 60 fresh cases a week, the mortality being especially great among children, and that in one school out of 40 children attacked no less than 2G died; whether he can say how many deaths were of unvaccinated and how many of vaccinated persons: and, what steps, if any, are being taken to check the ravages of the disease?
§ MR. CHAPLINThe number of cases of small-pox notified to the Local Government Board during the four weeks ended March 21 was 414, 155 being in respect of the last-mentioned week. I have not received particulars as to the 275 number of deaths which have occurred since my answer to the Question of my hon. Friend on the 19th inst. No details as to particular schools or as to the proportion of deaths amongst vaccinated and unvaccinated persons are as yet available. I am informed by the Town Council that they have done all that they can in the way of hospital isolation and disinfection to check the spread of the disease, but I am advised that the only effective means of controlling the extension is the adoption of a general system of vaccination and revaccination. [Cheers.] I am informed by the guardians that every facility is being afforded by them for vaccination and revaccination, that both operations are being carried out very largely, and that the guardians at their last meeting resolved to enforce the Vaccination Acts, which I understand have been in suspension for the last nine years. [Cheers.]