Mr. HASTINGSasked the Minister of Health what conclusion has been reached by the Committee on Anthrax at the recent International Labour Conference at Geneva, in view of the substantial number of cases of anthrax which continue to occur and the admitted fact that 1330W the work of the disinfecting station at Liverpool cannot be wholly efficient until supplemented by international action?
Mr. DAVIESI have been asked to reply. I am not quite sure that I understand my hon. Friend's meaning. The recent international conference rejected the proposal of the British Government that the question of an international convention in regard to the disinfection of infected varieties of wool should be placed on the agenda of next year's conference, notwithstanding that the proposal was based on the Report of the International Anthrax Committee which recommended such disinfection. The policy of the British Government is not, however, dependent on the conclusion of an international convention on the subject. Parliament has already by the Anthrax Prevention Act, 1919, authorised the necessary measures for securing such disinfection in the case of infected material imported into this country, and it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the measures that were initiated by their predecessors for this purpose.