SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the outbreak of smallpox at Bradford; and whether he would call the attention of the guardians to the importance of the earliest discovery of cases of the disease, and with this view suggest to the guardians the issue of notices to the public urging them to seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity in all feverish ailments accompanied by a rash, however slight.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I am aware that there have been cases of smallpox at Bradford during the present year. The suggestions referred to in the Question appear to me rather to concern the town council than the guardians. I have no reason to doubt that the town council and their officers are taking all precautions which experience has shown to be necessary in dealing with the matter; but, I will draw the attention of 1392 the town council to the suggestion of the hon. Member. I may add that nineteen additional cases were notified during the week ended on the 8th instant; and I am in communication with the town council as to the circumstances which led to their occurrence.