HC Deb 05 July 1923 vol 166 cc638-9W
Mr. T. THOMSON

asked the Minister of Health the percentage of deaths to cases of small-pox in each of the last five years, showing separately the figures for those vaccinated and those who had never been vaccinated?

Lord E. PERCY

As the protection afforded by vaccination diminishes with lapse of time, I have divided the

PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS TO CASES OF SMALL-POX.
Year. Vaccinated. Unvaccinated.
10 years and under. Over 10 and under 40. 40 and over.
1918 … … … … — 3.4 3.4 Nil.
1919 … … … … — 0.6 3.2 20.8
1920 … … … … — 1.5 8.3 13.8
1921 … … … … — — 1.0 1.5
1922 … … … … — 0.4 4.1 1.6

Sir F. KELLEY

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the danger that mild cases of small-pox may not be recognised as such, he will consider the issue of a statement instructing parents and others how incipient small-pox may be distinguished from chicken-pox?

Lord E. PERCY

My right hon. Friend does not consider that the issue of such a statement would be of advantage. It is the function of the medical practitioner in attendance upon a patient to distinguish incipient small-pox from chickenpox, and the services of the medical officer of health are at his disposal in assisting in the diagnosis of doubtful cases.