HC Deb 28 June 1928 vol 219 c708
29. Mr. SHEPHERD

asked the Minister of Health when the order for the medical inspection of casuals expires and whether it is his intention to extend it?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am extending the present direction on this subject, which expires at the end of this month, to the end of September next.

30. Mr. SHEPHERD

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of small-pox reported for England and Wales for the latest week available; and the number of cases discovered among casuals during any convenient period?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The provisional number of notifications of cases of smallpox in England and Wales for the week ended 23rd June last was 230. I have no precise information as regards the latter part of the question, but during the period 24th January to 25th June, 1928, 124 cases of small-pox have been reported among casuals.

Mr. SHEPHERD

Would not many of these cases among casuals in workhouses be obviated if a medical inspection took place on their arrival, rather than after they had been in the casual ward for over 12 hours?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It may be impossible to examine them all at the moment they arrive at the workhouse, but I will look into the matter.