§ 52. Mr. K. Thompsonasked the Minister of Health what evidence has has suggesting that poliomyelitis is spread by flies carrying a virus; and what proposals he has for reducing the number of flies.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI am advised that spread of poliomyelitis is usually by human contacts and that spread by flies has not been proved although they are sometimes contaminated with the virus. It is part of the normal work of local authorities to improve fly control by sanitary measures.
§ Mr. ThompsonWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask her whether she is aware of the intense anxiety about the danger of this disease being spread by flies carrying a virus? Is she aware that there are many sources where flies can breed that are neglected both by local and public authorities, notoriously the main railway tracks, which are disgustingly covered with refuse thrown out by passengers, and will she draw the attention of the appropriate authorities to this matter and get something done about it?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe public health aspects of my hon. Friend's supplementary question are matters for the Minister of Housing and Local Government, and I will bring his request to the notice of my right hon. Friend.