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17
such a purpose—at least for the present. This latter plan
would be the cheaper in the end.

Allowing 2/6 each examination and 6d. each outfit, and
taking the maximum number of certificates ever received
in one year, the yearly cost works out at £165 18s 0d.,
i.e., sending the samples to a Public Laboratory; whereas,
with a Private Laboratory for Lambeth Parish, the annual
expenses would amount to the cost of the outfits (i.e.,
£27 13s. 0d.), and the cost of the Laboratory spread over
a number of years (initial estimated cost, £50). As a
matter of fact I only anticipate one-fourth (or less) of notified
cases being examined bacteriologically, at least at first, and
it must be remembered that the estimated cost is based on
the largest number of notifications that have ever been
received in one year in Lambeth.
Experience shows that the money invested gives a good
return in the earlier diagnosis of the diseases mentioned
(Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tuberculosis), and the good results
that accrue therefrom. In the cases of Diphtheria and
Typhoid Fever, there would be a probable saving in Notification
Fees and in the cost of isolation and disinfection—
more exact and earlier diagnosis being amongst the practical
results of the bacteriological examinations.
I repeat my recommendations:—
1. Each Medical Practitioner in Lambeth to be
provided with "diagnosis outfit" at a cost of
6d. or less each " outfit."
2. Necessary apparatus (at an initial cost of £50)
to be supplied in a room to be fitted up at
(for the present) the Wanless Road Disinfecting
Station.
B*