§ 56. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Minister of Health whether he has any evidence that, during the recent outbreaks of small-pox, the disease in many instances was spread from place to place by persons admitted to the casual wards of Poor Law institutions; and whether he will consider amending the existing legislation so that the medical officer of health shall be empowered to detain and isolate for the necessary period persons in these institutions who are suspected to be suffering from or who have been in contact with small-pox or other infectious diseases?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have in consequence given instructions that, with a view to detecting cases of smallpox, all persons admitted to the casual wards of Poor Law institutions shall be medically examined. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given on this subject on the 5th instant to the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. C. Edwards).