§ 11. Dr. SALTERasked the Home Secretary the number of cases of anthrax which have occurred in human beings and have been notified to his Department during each of the last five years; 1546 the number of cases in which the disease proved fatal in each of those years; and the number of cases in which the infection was traced to its source or origin?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe numbers in the years 1923 to 1927 were 50, 45, 48, 42 and 35 respectively, of which 8, 4, 10, 4 and 3 were fatal. In all except 7 of the eases the patient was found to have been in contact with materials likely to be infected with anthrax.
§ Dr. SALTERMay I ask if the officers of the Home Department either destroy or cause to be destroyed, or prevent from being used, the remaining hides from an infected consignment?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI should like to have notice of that question. I think, it is dealt with in the next question of the hon. Member.
§ 12. Dr. SALTERasked the Home Secretary whether his Department has investigated the serious outbreaks of anthrax at Newcastle, Warrington and Bolton which have occurred this year; if so, what were the results of the inquiry; whether he has considered amending the Regulations dealing with the treatment of hides and skins; whether he proposes to enforce arrangements for the efficient disinfection of foreign imported skins; and whether he intends to issue a Welfare Order in connection with tanning and the leather industry generally?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. Each of the cases—eight altogether—reported this year from the three places mentioned has been investigated. It was found that in every case except one the workman had been in contact with hides imported from China, The question of further precautions has for some time past been under discussion with the employers' and workers' associations, but it is agreed that the only measure likely to be effective would be disinfection. Investigations for this purpose were commenced some time ago by the United Tanners' Federation and are being actively pursued, but I regret that no satisfactory method has yet been worked out. The issue of a draft Welfare Order is also under consideration, and I hope that a decision will be reached very shortly.