§ 22. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the present epidemic of influenza in Glasgow and the increase of the death-rate arising from it; if his Department had made special investigation into the cause; and, if so, what is the result?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs regards the first part of the question, I am aware that these is at present an epidemic of influenza in Glasgow, and a regrettably high general death-rate. There is an exceptionally high incidence of acute pneumonia, both primary and influenzal. As regards the second part, the Department of Health are in continuous touch with the Public Health Department of Glasgow and are aware of the extent and efficacy of the measures taken in cooperation with the Poor Law and voluntary hospitals to provide hospital treatment and nursing and medical care in the home. Notwithstanding the notification of nearly 1,200 new cases of pneumonia in the week ended the 31st January, the waiting list has been cleared and the epidemic, it is believed, has passed the peak. As regards the last part, research into the causation of influenza, into its spread in epidemic form, into its pathology and into its remedy is being continuously pursued by workers in this and in other countries, and in this connection the present outbreak is being watched and studied. I am of opinion that it is from research of this kind that the most useful results are to be expected.