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9
The Royal Commission on Tuberculosis have reported, after
scientific examination in its own Laboratories and under its own
control, that bovine Tubercle Bacillus undoubtedly is a danger to
man, and a very serious danger. "There can be no doubt," they
say, "that in a certain number of cases the tuberculosis occurring in
the human subject, especially in children, is the direct result of the
introduction into the human body of the bacillus of bovine tuberculosis;
and there can also be no doubt that in the majority at least of
these cases, the bacillus is introduced through cows' milk. Cows' milk
containing bovine tubercle bacillus is clearly a cause of tuberculosis
and of fatal tuberculosis in man."
A Conference of representatives of the City and Metropolitan
Borough Councils, convened by the Paddington Borough Council,
"on the question of taking measures to limit the spread of Pulmonary
Tuberculosis (consumption)" was held at the Town Hall, Paddington,
on the 6th June, 1907. Twenty-six City and Borough Councils out
of 29, were represented. Councillor Brooks and the Medical Officer
of Health represented this borough.
The following resolutions were passed:—
"That it is desirable that the notification of Pulmonary
Tuberculosis (consumption) should be compulsory,
"That application be made to the Local Government Board
for an Order to be made—
(i.) To include Pulmonary Tuberculosis (consumption)
among the diseases to be notified under Section 55 of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1891; and
(ii.) To extend the provisions of the following sections of
the above Act to Pulmonary Tuberculosis (consumption)—
Section 60—Cleansing and disinfecting of premises, &c.
„ 61—Disinfection of bedding, &c.
„ 62—Infectious rubbish thrown into ashpits, &c., to
be disinfected.
„ 63—Penalty on letting houses in which infected
persons have been lodging.
„ 64—Penalty on persons letting houses making false
statements as to infectious disease.
„ 65—Penalty on ceasing to occupy a house without
disinfection, or notice to owner, or making
false answer.
"That it is desirable, in order to limit the spread of Tuberculosis,
that provision should be made for public inspection and
control, at its several sources, of the milk supply of England, and
to ask the Local Government Board to take steps to secure the
efficient administration of the Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops
Order, 1885, and Orders amending the same."