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205
PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION IN 1916.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH (VENEREAL DISEASES)
REGULATIONS, 1916.
There can be no doubt whatever that the organisation of
scientific measures against Venereal Diseases will quickly lead to
a great reduction in the loss and misery caused by them.
The particular measures which meet with official approval in
the meantime are:—(1) The provision of facilities to both sexes for
modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, free to all, under conditions
to which no stigma will attach, and professional secrecy is
maintained. This is to be combined with a measure which strikes
at the root of the evil, namely, (2) an educational campaign, to
inculcate a higher moral sense among the people; to spread the
knowledge of the prevalence and ravages of Venereal Diseases, and
thus impress the need for greater self-control. The necessity for the
most prompt and skilled medical treatment of these diseases will
also have to be impressed.
The Prime Minister said in the House, on May 3rd, that it had
been decided that 75 per cent. of the cost of these measures will be
defrayed by a grant from the Exchequer.
The Administrative Bodies requested to provide these measures
are the County Councils and County Boroughs.
It should be possible in the near future to promote efficient
treatment under the scheme by doing something to reduce the sale
of secret remedies and the prevalence of quack treatment.
THE EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN.
This must be bold and direct. It must be fought openly, in
plain, simple and dignified statements; not by vague references from
press, platform and pulpit. The cloak of false modesty must no
longer be allowed to conceal from the public gaze this great national