HC Deb 19 May 1927 vol 206 cc1350-1
26. Mr. HARRISON

asked the Minister of Health the estimated cost of the treatment of the 12,922 cases of small-pox notified in England and Wales during the year ending 2nd April, 1927; and the percentage of that cost borne by the Exchequer and local authorities concerned, respectively?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

These particulars are not available, but no part of the cost of the treatment of small-pox cases falls on the Exchequer except in the case of patients arriving in this country suffering from the disease who are isolated and treated by the port sanitary authorities. In such cases 50 per cent. of the cost is borne by the Exchequer.

Mr. HARRISON

Is it not a fact that the approximate cost of a small-pox case is £210 a case?

27. Mr. HARRISON

asked the Minister of Health the estimated cost of public vaccination for small-pox during the year ending 2nd April, 1927, including the cost of preparing the vaccine?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The cost of public vaccination, including the cost of vaccine lymph issued from the Government Lymph Establishment, was approximately £175,000 for the financial year 1925–26 which is the last year for which particulars are at present available.