HC Deb 02 April 1940 vol 359 c14
21. Mr. Groves

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, although it was known, on or about 7th March, that many cases sent to hospital proved to be paratyphoid B infections, and that consequently the sources of infection must have been operative from about 17th February, no notice was received by medical practitioners from the Public Health Department of Glasgow until 16th March; and whether he will investigate the reason for the delay and endeavour to arrange that notification should be given to practitioners with the utmost promptitude?

Mr. Colville

The final diagnosis of paratyphoid B on 7th March related to three cases only. It was some days later before there was evidence pointing to an epidemic outbreak and the warning to medical practitioners followed on the receipt of this evidence. Immediate steps were taken to trace the source of infection.