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99
still under the consideration of the Local Government Board.
This synopsis had been prepared by direction of the General Purposes
Committee of the Asylums Board at the latter end of 1888,
and a copy of it was forwarded to the President of the Local
Government Board, " for his information and consideration in
connection with any Bill affecting the duties and responsibilities
of the Managers, which it may be his intention to submit
to Parliament." The document was of interest, as showing
inter alia, the willingness of the Managers to undertake the duties
of a Central Hospital Authority in regard to measures for checking
and preventing the spread of infectious disease. The subjects
referred to in the Synopsis were—
(1) Admission of all classes of Infectious Patients.
(2) General Conveyance of Infectious Persons to Hospital.
(3) Admission of cases of Diphtheria to the Managers'
Hospitals.
(4) Compulsory Notification of Infectious Diseases.
(5) Compulsory Removal of the Infectious Sick to Hospital
when without proper lodging or accommodation.
(6) Compulsory Purchase of Land.
(7) Contracts with Sanitary Authorities for the Reception
and Maintenance in Hospitals of Non-paupers.
The objects sought to be attained in respect of (1), (2), (3),
(4) and (6) have now been secured by the passing of the
Infectious Disease (Notification) Act, 1889, and the Poor Law
Act, 1889. At page 84 I have dealt with the question of (5) Compulsory
Removal of the Sick, which still awaits settlement. With
reference to (7), I have stated fully, in former Reports, the grounds
of objection to the contract system, which is no longer in question,
free admission to the hospitals having now been practically provided
for. The year 1889 will be memorable in the sanitary annals of
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