HC Deb 30 January 1930 vol 234 cc1173-4
62. Mr. HANNON

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a recent statement by the medical officer of health for Birmingham that several cases of psittacosis, definitely caused by infection from parrots, has occurred in Birmingham within the past two years; and, seeing that of 11 cases reported in Birmingham during the period stated four have proved fatal, he will say what steps the Ministry has taken to deal with this malady?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I am informed that the medical officer of health of Birmingham has not made any public statement of the kind referred to. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 23rd instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Warwick and Leamington (Captain Eden).

Mr. HANNON

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information from Birmingham of the result of the inquiry which he has ordered to be made, and can he give any information as to what practical steps are being taken to put an end to this malady?

Mr. GREENWOOD

As I explained to the House, investigations are not complete.

Dr. DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that both Germany and the United States of America have prohibited—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman is giving information.