§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health the date on which the Yeovil schoolteacher reported to be sufferingfrom smallpox entered hospital; whether she is still there and, if not, the date on which she left the hospital; how long she had spots before the investigation was made; how many doctors were engaged in the investigation; whether they made the diagnosis of smallpox which was not confirmed; and whether doctors from his Ministry examined the case.
§ Mr. WillinkThe patient to whom my hon. Friend refers was admitted to hospital on 1st April, and I understand was dis- 49W charged on 20th April. My information is that she had spots on 28th March, but was not able to visit her doctor until two days later. Nine doctors were concerned in the investigation of the case, including three of my medical officers. The opinion reached by six of them that it was a case of smallpox was not shared by two of my officers but the precaution was taken of treating it as a case of smallpox. I am advised that occasionally the diagnosis of smallpox presents great difficulties and there is ample room for differences of medical opinion. At least three of the local doctors who judged this case to be one of smallpox are practitioners with substantial experience of the disease.