§ 59. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Health whether the will make a further statement about the spread of infantile paralysis; and what steps the is taking to combat it.
§ Mr. BevanFor the week ending 26th July the number of notified cases is expected to be not less than 300, compared with 177 in the week before, and with the highest recorded weekly figure of 85 in previous years. Cases are occurring in many different parts of the country, and there is nothing to suggest any outbreak of epidemic proportions spreading from one centre. The disease is particularly difficult to control because it is not always identifiable in cases of mild and indefinite illness, and because it may be harboured by perfectly healthy carriers 75W whom it is impracticable to recognise. I have caused the fullest available information about the present incidence of the disease, and about such measures as can be taken towards controlling it, to be published in the medical Press and to be sent to every medical officer of health in the country. I shall not fail to draw the attention of doctors and, if necessary, the public to any further steps which my medical advisers may come to feel would be of value in the treatment or control of this disease.