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58
the risk of infection arising from the conditions affecting the
use or occupation of any room, when used or occupied by the
poor person as a sleeping apartment; and
(iv.) Furnish, for the use of the poor person, on loan, or otherwise,
any appliance, apparatus, or utensil which will be of
assistance for the purpose of any precaution against the
spread of infection.
A Council, on the advice of their Medical Officer of Health, may
provide and publish or distribute in the form of placards, handbills,
or leaflets, suitable summaries of information and instruction respecting
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and the precautions to be taken
against the spread of infection from that disease."
On March 4th, 1909, the Local Government Board issued an
important Memorandum, prepared by Dr. Newsholme, the Medical
Officer of the Board, which explains in considerable detail the
appropriate action that can be taken by sanitary authorities under
the powers conferred by the Regulations. In an accompanying
letter the Board state that although the Regulations apply only to
patients who come under the care of the Poor Law Medical Officers,
the Memorandum has been extended so as to deal with preventive
measures in respect of cases notified under a voluntary system.
The Local Government Board have now taken an important forward
step in the movement for the prevention of tuberculosis, and it is to
be hoped that their initiative will secure a ready response from local
authorities throughout the country. In Hampstead, although much
has been done, there is great need for further effort, and I hope
shortly to indicate the measures which appear to me to be specially
required at the present time.
In connection with the subject of Tuberculosis, I would call
attention to the section of this report, pp. 84-88, that deals with
the examination of a number of milk samples for tubercle bacilli.
It will be seen that of the 76 samples examined in 1907-8, no less
than 17, or 22.4 per cent, were found to contain virulent tubercle
bacilli.