§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Health whether his medical advisers have noted the recent unparalleled increase in sickness in this country; and whether he is taking any steps to prevent a recurrence?
§ Miss HorsbrughThe phrase used by the hon. Member would give, I think, quite a mistaken impression. Influenza has been prevalent in recent months though the largest number of deaths in any one week has been 629 (for the week ending 24th February) which compares favourably with the maximum for 1933 (1,934 deaths) or for 1937 (1,155 deaths). There has also been a considerable pre-valance of cerebro-spinal fever but owing to new methods of treatment the mortality rate has been considerably lower than in the past. The experience of this winter has been, for most diseases, actually more favourable this year than in the year previous.