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they had been able to obtain gave no reliably precise measure of
the extent of the problem either in Camberwell, the county or
the country. They found it difficult to draw a clear conclusion
from the facts known and deferred consideration of the matter
for six months as it was anticipated that further information
may shortly become available.
The Council had this matter before them again in December
of the year under review and decided to inform the Standing
Joint Committee that they remained of the same opinion. The
reason why such legislation is advocated is to protect the people
concerned from the hazards of infection in a new country and
a strange environment, as well as to protect ourselves; it should
not in any way be regarded as suggestive of undue discrimination
of certain nationalities. This would also ensure that the necessary
medical treatment could be provided and the immigrants be
made aware of the medical and other social services available.
The Standing Joint Committee concurred with the Council's
views and decided to make representations to the Minister of
Health for the introduction of legislation to require all intending
immigrants to submit to a medical examination (including chest
X-ray) before or immediately after their arrival in this country.