§ 70. Lieut.-Colonel RAWasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has 1909 been drawn to the arrival of a ship at a British port recently with cases of smallpox on board; and whether any steps are taken to deal specially with the danger of the introduction of infections diseases through the ports of the country?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy attention has been drawn to the case to which presumably my hon. and gallant Friend refers. Like all similar cases it was made a matter of special inquiry by one of the Medical Officers of the Ministry. I am giving detailed consideration to the danger of the introduction of infectious diseases through the ports of this country in view of the widespread prevalence of small-pox, typhus, and other epidemic diseases on the Continent and abroad. Special arrangements have been made with the Foreign Office and the Colonial Office whereby periodical and continuous information is received and appropriate action taken. A weekly bulletin is forwarded from the Ministry to the Medical Officers of Health of the Port Sanitary Authorities in this country and special bulletins as occasion requires. I have been in communication with the Port Sanitary Authorities on the whole subject, and I am convinced that the powers at present possessed by Port Sanitary Authorities are inadequate. Regulations will shortly be isued with the object of obtaining a greater security against the introduction of infectious diseases into this country from abroad and of increasing the efficiency of Port Sanitary Administration, and arrangements have been made with the Treasury for the provision of special financial assistance.