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Decency and order could be realised in a way that is impossible on board ship,
transport for the Officers is at hand in the ferry and train, a convenient and medically
satisfactory examination could be arranged both as regards place and necessary
apparatus, the Immigration Officer and the Medical Inspector could be in constant
touch during the examination, and stopping to land the Aliens would form a wholesome
check on ships which bring these in ones and twos.
In my opinion the last scheme is the only completely satisfactory one from a
medical point of view for the working of the Aliens Act in the Port of London.
The questions of policy requiring decisions are:—
(1) The compulsory stopping of ships for examination of Aliens on board
at Gravesend.
(2) The landing of passengers at Tilbury.
THE POET SANITARY AUTHORITIES (INFECTIOUS DISEASES)
REGULATIONS, 1920.
1. These Regulations came into force on August 1st.
2. Among the definitions, "Infectious Disease" means "any epidemic or acute
Infectious Disease."
3. Power is given to the Medical Officer of Health to board any ship, bring a ship
to, or, if necessary, moor or anchor her in a convenient place for his visit or
examination.
4. Power is given to the Medical Officer of Health—
(a) To examine any person suffering from Infectious Disease.
(b) To examine any person on an infected or suspected ship, or on a ship where
he has reasonable grounds for suspecting that persons are present who during the three
weeks preceding the arrival of the ship have been exposed to Infectious Disease.
(c) To examine any person reasonably believed to be verminous.
(d) To detain for examination any person whom he is empowered to examine.
(e) To cleanse such person and his clothing or effects.
(/) To prohibit landing of persons except under such conditions, specified in
writing, as are reasonably necessary for the prevention of spread of infection.
(g) To require the Master to take or assist in steps—
(a) For prevention of spread of infection by persons.
(b) For removal of conditions likely to convey infection.
(c) For the destruction of vermin and removal of conditions which harbour
vermin.
The Medical Officer of Health may be required by the Sanitary Authority or by
the Minister of Health to exercise these powers. Any directions by the Minister to the
Medical Officer of Health shall forthwith be communicated to the Sanitary Authority.
5. The Medical Officer of Health may cause any person suffering from Infectious
Disease to be removed to Hospital, or, if his condition does not permit of this, prohibit
his removal or departure from the ship except with his consent.
6. It is the duty of the Master—
(1) To notify to the Medical Officer of Health—
(a) Any case of infectious disease on his ship.
(b) The presence of dead rats or mortality or sickness among rats in the ship.
(2) To furnish all information reasonably required of him.
(3) To comply with requirements or directions made in pursuance of the
Regulations.
(4) To give "reasonably required " assistance.
7. Tt is the duty of every person on the ship to comply with all directions,
requirements or conditions given, made or imposed, and to furnish all information
reasonably required.
8. The Sanitary Authority may, and, if required bv the Minister of Health, shall—
(a) Appoint Medical Officers at approved remuneration.
(b) Appoint other persons to exercise or perform such duties or powers as the
Sanitary Authority shall assign to them.
(c) Provide or arrange for—
(1) Waiting and examination rooms.
(2) Apparatus or means for cleansing and disinfection of ships, persons,
clothing and other articles.
(3) Premises for temporary accommodation.
(4) Hospital accommodation.
(5) Means of transport.
(d) Do all such other things as in the opinion of the Sanitary Authority or
Minister are necessary for enabling that the Regulations be complied with.
9. The Regulations are not in derogation of any of the provisions of regulations
at present in force.