§ 34. Mr. DENMANasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can make any statement as to the prevalence of an epidemic of influenza; whether it is causing a rise in the rate of mortality; whether it is associated with other diseases; and what steps are being taken by his Department and should be taken by the public to combat it?
Mr. FISHERThe present epidemic of influenza is causing a considerable rise in the rate of mortality, as will be seen from the weekly returns of the Registrar-General, but happily the rise is not so great as that experienced in Vienna and Paris, and, I believe, in other such large towns.
As to the latter part of the question, numerous conferences have taken place between representatives of my Department, of the naval and military authorities, and of the Board of Trade in regard to the transport of troops. The medical officers of my Department have also been in consultation with the Army Medical Department and the Medical Research Committee, and bacteriological investigations have been continuously made since the commencement of the summer outbreak. These show that, bacteriologically, this outbreak does not differ from other outbreaks of influenza, the fatality being due to secondary infections, chiefly by pneumococci and streptococci. I have also called a special conference of medical representatives of all the Departments concerned.
As to the steps which can be taken by the public, I may refer to the Memorandum of my medical officer which has been issued. This Memorandum emphasises the fact that control over this catarrhal disease is only practicable by the active co-operation of each member of the community, and medical officers of health have brought the 1108 precautions recommended by the Memorandum to the notice of the local public by-means of special leaflets and in other ways.
§ Mr. DENMANAre we to expect a Ministry of Health in the near future?
§ Colonel C. LOWTHERIs it a fact that there are two distinct epidemics prevalent—influenza and septic pneumonia?
§ Mr. PRINGLECannot the representatives of the National Service Department be asked to suspend calling up doctors, and the War Office to release doctors for civilian service?
Mr. FISHERThe representatives of the National Service Department will no doubt take into account the fact that doctors are wanted in every Department.
§ Mr. BYRNEHas the right hon. Gentleman's Department taken any steps to provide doctors for districts affected? Is he aware that there are a number of young Irish doctors in prison here whose services could be better utilised in Ireland?