§ 54. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government are aware of the danger of an outbreak of plague in Eastern and Central Europe this coming summer due to the blockade and civil war; and what steps of a precautionary measure are being taken to prevent its spread to this country?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Dr. Addison)The precautions for preventing the introduction and spread of plague in this country are prescribed in General Regulations made by the Local Government Board in 1907. I will send a copy of these Regulations to the hon. and gallant Member. I am not aware of any special danger of an outbreak of plague in the regions referred to, but the precautions taken by the port sanitary authorities of this country under the supervision of the Medical Department of the Local Government Board are being carefully carried out, and strict watch is kept on vessels coming from plague-infected countries. These measures have proved very successful in the past in protecting the country from plague.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical profession are very alarmed at the 1676 conditions which are likely to prevail next summer, and that the ordinary means to prevent plague will not safeguard us unless exceptional means are taken?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am well aware of the alarm to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and, as a result, a joint body representing the different services has been at work on this subject for several weeks past.
§ Captain W. BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Blockade excludes us from sending drugs to those countries?
§ Dr. ADDISONI cannot answer that question without notice.