§ LORD R. CECIL (Marylebone, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the large number of cases of blindness caused by ophthalmia of the new-born; whether he is aware that in the great majority of cases timeous treatment of this disease would prevent this result from ensuing; and whether he will take steps, by circular or otherwise, to induce the local authorities, under Section 7 of The Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act, 1889, to order that that Act shall apply to this disease.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI am aware that timely treatment will prevent the blindness following on ophthalmia of the new-born. This is fully recognised in the rules of the Central Midwives Board, which direct a midwife in attendance at a confinement, in any case of inflammation of the eyes of the child, however slight, to explain to the husband or nearest relative or friend present that the case is one in which the attendance of a registered medical practitioner is required, and to give him a form for sending for such help. She must send a copy of this form to the Local Supervising Authority, who are thus made aware of the case. I would point out that the primary object of the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act is to prevent the spread of infection. This danger scarcely exists in cases of ophthalmia of the new-born. I am afraid that I could not properly take the precise course suggested by the noble Lord in the last part of the Question, but I am giving consideration to the whole subject.