Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of scarlet fever were notified in Scotland in the first two quarters of 1932 and 1933, respectively; what were the figures for the same periods in 1930 and 1931; and, in view of the recent high incidence of the disease referred to in the annual report of the Department of Health for Scotland for 1932, what action he is taking in the matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThere were 13,458 cases of scarlet fever notified in Scotland2620W in the first two quarters of 1932, and 13,317 in the first two quarters of 1933. The corresponding figures for 1930 and 1931 were 6,914 and 7,671 respectively. I am much concerned at the continued prevalence of the disease. The Department of Health for Scotland have had the matter under close observation, and as a first step in the consideration of what further preventive or other measures might be taken to reduce the incidence, the chief medical officer of the Department has arranged to confer at an early date with the medical officers of health of the areas most seriously affected.