§ Mr. HOLLANDasked the Minister of Health how many cases of puerperal fever have occurred in Derbyshire during the past three months; how many of such cases originated in maternity institutions; whether the source of the infection has been traced; and with what results?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThirteen cases of puerperal fever were notified in Derbyshire during the 13 weeks ended 14th March. One case occurred in one of the1070W maternity institutions which are provided or subsidised by local authorities and which are, therefore, required to report to my right hon. Friend. There were also 11 cases of the condition known as puerperal pyrexia in the same institution during that period. Investigation showed that the source of infection could probably be traced to a throat infection in a member of the staff, and the institution was temporarily closed and the premises disinfected.