§ 37. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Minister of Health what precautions have been taken to prevent the influx of smallpox from Calcutta, where deaths from this disease now exceed 500 a week.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Blenkinsop)Special care is being taken by airport medical officers and travellers by air are given a warning notice, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. Travellers by sea pass out of the incubation period for smallpox before they arrive. Rigorous measures, including, if necessary, the isolation of passengers, would be taken if a ship or aircraft were found to have a case of smallpox on board.
§ Mr. HastingsWill the Parliamentary Secretary give careful consideration to the applications he is receiving from hospitals, insisting that all those officers who are in close contact with patients shall be vaccinated?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopYes, Sir, we are keeping that in mind.