§ 74. Mr. ALBERT SMITHasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that of the first thirteen cases of small-pox in the outbreak at Milnrow, near Rochdale, only two were unvaccinated persons, ten vaccinated, and one revaccinated; whether this outbreak has again proved that whilst vast numbers of unvaccinated children escape the disease of small-pox, the comparatively fewer vaccinated persons in a community have been preferentially attacked; and whether any investigation has been made into the sanitary condition of a stream which runs near the mill at Milnrow, so many of the vaccinated employés of which have developed small-pox?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Thirteen cases were notified as small-pox at Milnrow. Two of these, however, proved to be measles. The eleven cases of small-pox all occurred among adults. One patient was unvaccinated; ten had been vaccinated in infancy; none revaccinated. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The investigation of the medical inspector was concerned with the source of the small-pox infection, and the evidence clearly pointed to the conclusion that infection originated within the mill where the above patients were employed. The sanitary condition of the stream running near this mill did not come within the scope of his inquiry; but I may say that I am advised that there are no epidemiological facts supporting the notion that small-pox can originate from such a source.
§ Mr. A. SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the stream was notorious for its evil smelling qualities, and cases of fever had been in the vicinity, and the local authority had a refuse tip close by and cases had been known of sanitary carts being emptied thereon; and is he aware that the tip had been on fire for seven weeks and the stench from it was at times unbearable, and that pigs were kept next door to inhabited houses in the vicinity?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member seems to be giving information.