HC Deb 05 March 1928 vol 214 cc823-4W
Mr. C. EDWARDS

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a letter from the Bedwellty Council asking that the law should be amended so as to provide that in the case of persons who have been in contact with, or are suffering from, small-pox or other infectious disease in casual wards of Poor Law institutions, the medical officer of health should be empowered to have them detained and isolated for such period as he may deem necessary; and will he take steps to ensure this being done?

Sir K. WOOD

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, there is power under the present law to secure the removal to hospital of any person who is suffering from a dangerous infectious disease and is without proper lodging or accommodation, but as at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not think it necessary to introduce legislation conferring similar powers in regard to persons who have been in contact with cases of such diseases though not themselves so suffering.

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