HC Deb 27 January 1944 vol 396 cc852-3
53. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health the extent of the outbreak of catarrhal jaundice; to what cause or causes it is attributed; and whether the liability to infection at public baths has led to any special action being taken.

Mr. Willink

Catarrhal jaundice is not a generally notifiable disease although, for research purposes, it was recently made notifiable in certain eastern countries and I have, therefore, no definite information about its incidence. It has latterly become prevalent throughout Europe and in North Africa as well as in this country. Its causes have not been established, and at my request the Medical Research Council is at present making a special investigation of the disease. I am advised that there is nothing to show any connexion between catarrhal jaundice and public baths.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the report on the incidence of this disease will be made at an early date, because it is getting rather serious?

Mr. Willink

We would all be well advised to await the result of the investigations by the Medical Research Council.

Mr. Sorensen

That is what I mean.

Mr. Willink

It is a body independent of myself.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Was Mosley suffering from catarrhal jaundice?