§ Viscount WOLMERasked whether the Home Secretary's attention has been called to the fact that on 5th December the Alien Immigration Board for London admitted into this country a Russian woman with her child, who was certified by Dr. Willoughby to be suffering from favus, which he explained was an almost incurable infectious disease, and therefore likely to be transmitted to English children; whether this case forms a precedent for admitting diseased aliens into this country; and whether such persons when admitted will be allowed to enter elementary schools or factories in company with healthy English people?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir. A Russian child suffering from favus was admitted with her mother by the London Immigration Board last Tuesday; and it is a fact that favus is an infectious disease which is difficult to cure. The circumstances of the case were exceptional, seeing that both mother and child had already lived in this country and were returning, after a visit to Russia, to join the father here. The Board stated clearly that the case was not to be regarded as a precedent: and, further, put the father under a guarantee to have the child treated with a view to curing the disease. The case will be carefully watched.
§ Viscount WOLMERWas this child sent to a public elementary school?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe child is at present only four and a-half years old.
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is neither our business nor our wish.