§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health what number of persons died of small-pox during the recent epidemic; what number died of influenza during the present epidemic; whether he has consulted, or will consult, his medical staff as to the importance of early medical attendance in influenza; and will he make an order under the power reserved to him under Section 2 (1) of the Poor Law Act, 1927, and his other powers, empowering the guardians of every rural parish of which any part is three miles or more from a relieving officer to make the same order in cases of illness for medical and other relief, but not in money, which the overseers could have made before their powers were transferred to the relieving officer in 1927?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe number of deaths classified to small-pox for the purposes of the Registrar-General's statistics during the 13 months ended on 31st January last was 58. No statistics are at present available as to the total number of deaths from influenza during the current year. I am aware of the importance of early medical attention
586WCity of London for the calendar years 1919 to 1928, inclusive?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe number of proceeding for drunkenness and convictions for drunkenness in the Metropolitan Police district and City of London during the years 1919 to 1928, are as follow:—
in cases of influenza, but as at present advised, I see no reason to take the action suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the statement of the medical officer of health for Stepney to the effect that many cases of small-pox have been mistaken for influenza; and whether any special instructions have been issued by his Department to medical officers under his control for special precautions to avoid these occurrences in future?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no special instructions have been issued, but reference has been made to the matter in a Circular issued by my Department last year and in the Annual Reports of the Chief Medical Officer.