HC Deb 26 March 1953 vol 513 cc835-7

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

94. Mr. HOUGHTON

To ask the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement regarding the recent outbreak of smallpox in Todmorden.

The Minister of Health (Mr. lain Macleod)

With permission, Mr. Speaker, I will answer Question No. 94. The outbreak started among workers at a spinning mill in Todmorden who handle imported raw cotton. It seems possible that this was the source of infection both there and in a further case at Oldham. There is no evidence from previous experience that the disease can be spread by cotton except in its raw state, or as cotton waste. Up to this morning 14 cases had been confirmed, including 11 at Todmorden. Two of these cases have died. There are also four suspected cases. So far no case of smallpox has occurred outside the range of known contacts with the original cases.

All possible preventive steps are being taken by the medical officers of health concerned, and I would urge cotton operatives and others to whom vaccination is offered to obtain protection in this way. I have requested the Medical Research Council to carry out such investigations as are possible into the highly technical and difficult question of the transmission of smallpox infection by raw cotton.

Mr. Houghton

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his comprehensive statement may I ask him a Question about which there may be grounds for disquiet? The first case diagnosed was that of a man while he was in the Halifax Hospital. Is there any ground for thinking that there may have been avoidable delay or unusual difficulty in diagnosing the first case?

Mr. Macleod

I think it true to say that there was some delay in diagnosing the first case, but frankly, that is not altogether surprising because, happily, our doctors never, or very rarely, see smallpox in this country, I would rather not go further into what is a clinical matter.

Lieut-Colonel Schofield

Is there any danger of the infection being spread in any cotton yarn, cloth or finished materials which may have been made from that particular cotton?

Mr. Macleod

I am advised that there is not the slightest danger of infection being spread in that way, either in the piece or in the finished article.

Mr. Hobson

What was the original vaccinal condition of the people who are now suffering from smallpox?

Mr. Macleod

There are about 18 cases and I could not be sure about all of them. If the hon. Gentleman would like the details perhaps he would put a Question down.

Mr. Hale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we very much appreciate the prompt action which has been taken by the Ministry of Health from the time they had the information, and the courteous way in which the right hon. Gentleman personally has dealt with the matter. Can he give an assurance—I am sure he will —that will prevent in Oldham a lack of confidence, that the Ministry of Health are keeping in very close touch with the facts of the situation, which is to be regarded with some gravity, and that he is satisfied that all the available measures are being taken?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, I am so satisfied. My senior medical officers in this field have been on the spot for some time— as soon as it was realised what the outbreak was.

Mr. I. O. Thomas

Can the Minister indicate whether the original source of the raw cotton has been traced, and whether investigations have been made and steps taken to prevent further entry from a similar source so long as there is any doubt about it?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, those steps have been taken. The hon. Gentleman will realise that those steps fall very largely outside my Department, but the steps that can be taken to isolate the particular bales and not to use any more of the consignment in question have been taken.