HC Deb 26 May 1927 vol 206 cc2163-5
30. Mr. WEST RUSSELL

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to an outbreak of smallpox in Northumberland; whether he can state the number of cases notified up to date and the areas chiefly affected; whether or not the epidemic is on the increase; whether he is satisfied that the local authorities have powers sufficient to cope with the position and that these powers are being exercised; and whether the source of infection has been traced?

Sir K. WOOD

Small-pox has been prevalent in Northumberland since 1924. The total number of notified cases, up to the end of last week, is approximately 2,300, The areas chiefly affected have been Ashington, Bedlingtonshire, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Morpeth, Prudhoe and Tynemouth. The number of cases in the county shows no signs of diminution at present. My right hon. Friend is of opinion that the local authorities have all necessary powers if adequate use is made by the public of the facilities provided for free vaccination, and is advised that these powers are being exercised. He is unable to state the original source of infection.

Mr. BECKETT

Is it not a fact that in the great majority of cases the people who have been infected with this disease have been vaccinated, that the disease is extremely mild, and that there is a great divergence of medical opinion as to whether it is small-pox or not?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir, I should not like the House to understand that that was the view of my Department. In a number of cases in which vaccination has been ineffective it had been done many years ago. My right hon. Friend would like hon. Members and the public to know that in his belief the most effective measure is to make free use of the public vaccination which is available.

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

Can my hon. Friend say how many of the cases he has mentioned were vaccinated, and how many were not?

Sir K. WOOD

If my hon. Friend will put down a question, I will get the information for him.

Mr. BECKETT

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any evidence, other than the Minister's opinion, that vaccination is useful?

Dr. SALTER

Is the Department satisfied that the extremely mild disease which is prevalent in Northumberland and Durham is the same disease as that which was recently so very fatal in the neighbourhood of Hendon?

Sir K. WOOD

My Department are certainly satisfied that this disease is small-pox, and that the best preventive is for people to avail themselves of the facilities for vaccination.