§ 32. Mr. BOLANDasked the President of the Local Government Board what steps, if any, have been taken to inform the public as to the danger to health involved in the transmission of disease by flies under existing war conditions; whether any leaflets have been published on the subject, and, if not, whether the leaflet published by the Zoological Society of London will be utilised; and whether steps will be taken to set up a small Committee to deal with the subject?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The Board have issued seven reports on "Flies as Carriers of Infection," and they have during the last few years warned local authorities by circular, at the beginning of the summer, of the dangers of allowing accumulations of refuse, which may form breeding grounds for flies, to remain in the neighbourhood of dwellings. They have for some time past been urging individual local authorities who are not dealing satisfactorily with 1830 the refuse of their districts to improve their methods. In a circular letter, which is about to be issued, attention will again be drawn to the matter. The War Office and my Department are co-operating in this, as in other matters affecting the health of the troops and of the civil population. A number of local authorities have issued posters and leaflets on this subject. I am considering the preparation and issue by the Local Government Board of a series of model leaflets on this and other health subjects, which local authorities could use if they so desired. I hardly think it necessary to appoint a committee.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any communication has taken place between the English and French authorities upon this point?
§ Mr. H. SAMUELNot so far as I am aware.