HC Deb 27 July 1931 vol 255 cc1941-3
53. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis notified in England and Wales in each of the last four weeks; and in what areas there is special prevalence?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)

As the answer includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

As there are only four totals involved may we not have them?

Miss LAWRENCE

Provisional figures relating to civilians only of the numbers of cases of cerebro-spinal fever notified in England and Wales during the four weeks ended 18th July, 1931, are as follow:

Week ended Cases.
27th June … … … … 41
4th July … … … … 39
11th July … … … … 43
18th July … … … … 43

Of these 166 cases, 72 were notified in the West Riding of Yorkshire and 22 in Lancashire.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Does the Minister think that, as a result, it is advisable to stop the congregation of people on holidays?

Miss LAWRENCE

I draw no such conclusion, but, if a question is to be asked on that subject, it ought to be addressed to another Minister.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

In that case, may I ask if the Minister has advised the War Office to cancel their camps in consequence of this disease?

60. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis notified in Scotland in each of the last four weeks; and in what areas there is special prevalence?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)

The numbers of cases of cerebro-spinal fever notified in Scotland during the last four weeks were as follow:

Week ended Cases.
27th June, 1931 … … … 11
4th July, 1931 … … … 5
11th July, 1931 … … … 13
18th July, 1931 … … … 6
35

Of these cases 19 were notified in Glasgow.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

As a result, is the Secretary of State for Scotland advising people not to congregate on their holidays for fear of infection?

Mr. WESTWOOD

The point of that supplementary question is not in the original question at all. I have answered everything contained in the question on the Paper.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

This matter clearly does not arise out of this question.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

This is an extraordinarily serious question, on which the country wants advice from the House, because action has already been taken on the advice of a Minister on these actual facts, and it is on these actual facts that I wish to cross-examine Ministers as to the—

Mr. SPEAKER

Question Time is not a time for cross-examination.

Mr. PYBUS

Is it in order for an hon. Member to ask a question which, by getting into the Press, would damage the prospects of every seaside resort in the country?

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

May I give notice that I shall raise this question as regards both the Ministry of Health for England and Wales, and the Department of Health for Scotland, on the Appropriation Bill?