HC Deb 22 July 1912 vol 41 c791
80. Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to a prosecution in North London, before Mr. Hedderwick, by which it appears that it is usual to insist on children who had had measles returning to school in spite of the fact that other children in the same house were still ill of that disease; and, seeing that this must prove a common cause of epidemic, whether he will consider what steps he can take to remedy the evil without delay?

The PRESIDENT Of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)

My attention has been called to the prosecution referred to. I am advised that there is no ground for believing that the practice of requiring the attendance at school of children who have had measles and come from houses where there are other children suffering from the disease is a common cause of the spread of infection. Though the exclusion of such children may be desirable as an additional precaution in exceptional cases of serious epidemic, I am advised that it is not necessary in ordinary cases.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the whole subject?

Mr. PEASE

We had the full facts before us in connection with this matter.