HC Deb 22 July 1912 vol 41 c790
78. Mr. CLYNES

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the names of the authorities that have adopted the Notification of Births Act; and if he can state the general result of the adoption of the Act?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

The Act is now in operation in 295 sanitary areas, in addition to those within the County of London, and applies to a population of 18,430,191, or more than half of the total population of England and Wales. The reports of medical officers of health who have had experience of the operation of the Act indicate that it has led to a better knowledge and wider adoption of proper rules in regard to infant and child hygiene. I will send the hon. Member a list giving the names of the several authorities who have adopted the Act.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

May I ask whether the time has not arrived when this Act might be made compulsory on sanitary authorities?

Mr. BURNS

We are considering that.