HC Deb 15 July 1926 vol 198 cc604-5
17. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the Report of the sub-committee of the British Medical Association dealing with the spread of rheumatic diseases among children; and what steps have been taken by his Department to carry the recommendations of this committee into effect?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. As regards the second question, the recommendations are substantially in accord with the suggestions in the Chief Medical Officer's preface to the Ministry's Report on Rheumatic Diseases, published in 1924, and continuous attention is paid to them in deciding the administrative policy of the Ministry.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these rheumatic diseases in children are caused by damp surroundings, and will he give his sanitary inspectors particular instructions to see, as far as possible, that the houses are habitable?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

This is a question which is continuously under the consideration of the Department, and all pressure and influence that can be brought to bear upon its betterment is used.