HC Deb 21 January 1937 vol 319 c331
29. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement respecting the recent outbreak of scarlet fever in Doncaster and area; whether any proof has been obtained as to whether the outbreak was due to a polluted milk supply; and, if so, what steps are being taken to prevent similar outbreaks in the future?

The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)

Some 160 cases of scarlet fever occurred in Doncaster and the adjoining rural district in the recent outbreak, together with a considerable number of cases of sore throat. I am advised that the outbreak was due to the infection of milk from one farm. When the particular milk supply had been identified as the source of infection arrangements were made for the pasteurisation of all milk coming from that source. As regards the general question, I cannot add anything at present to the answer I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 12th November, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Short

Will the milk producer be prosecuted in this case?

Mr. MacLaren

No, he will get a subsidy.