§ 21. Mr. George Wardasked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for Form B, issued by the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural District Council in compliance with Articles 8 (2) and 8 (3) of the Public Health (Aircraft) Regulasible, because of the Convention, to dispense with question No. 9.
§ Mr. BevanThe purpose of this form is to carry out the requirements of the International Sanitary Convention for Aerial Navigation, 1944. I will discuss with the local authority the possibility of simplifying it without infringing the Convention, but I do not think it will be possible, because of the Convention. to dispense with question No. 9.
§ Mr. WardWill the Minister bear in mind in these discussions that people who 1375 have completed a long flight are in no fit condition to perform the mental gymnastics required in filling up this form?
§ Mr. BevanOn the other hand, the hon. Member must realise the; very great importance of being able to trace sources of infection. We are without serious epidemics in this country.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersYou are the source of infection.
§ Hon. Members: Withdraw
§ Mr. PopplewellOn a point of Order. Is it correct for hon. Members opposite to refer to you, gr. Deputy-Speaker, as being a source of infection?
The Deputy-SpeakerI think the phrase was very objectionable to whomsoever it was addressed, and I think the hon. Gentleman ought to withdraw it.
§ Sir W. SmithersI withdraw it, unreservedly.