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84
a cowman. On notification of the case immediate steps were
taken to isolate the patient and safeguard the milk supply.
Dr. Cameron, the Medical Officer of Health for West Sussex,
who sent me the information, stated that he was of opinion
"that the milk could be supplied with safety."
A similar case occurred in July, when I received the
information that there was reason to believe that the milk
supply from a farm in West Dean was liable to contamination
from Scarlet Fever.
In reply to a telegraphic inquiry, Dr. Bostock, the
Medical Officer of Health, informed me that the case had been
removed to hospital for isolation and that the milk was not
infected.
We have not always been fortunate in securing the
speedy co-operation of the authorities having control over the
farms as in these cases.
v
After consideration your Committee expressed the
opinion that, in view of the danger of the spread of infection
whilst these proceedings were being taken, it was desirable in
the interests of the public health that greater facilities should
be given to Sanitary Authorities, in order that the supply of
milk from any dairy within or without their district may be
stopped where there is reason to believe the consumption of
such milk would be likely to cause any infectious disease, and
suggested that the powers given to Sanitary Authorities under
Section 71 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, would be of
greater value if application for an order to inspect the dairy, and
where necessary, for the cessation of the supply of milk were
made by a magistrate presiding in the district in which the
milk was distributed. A communication was addressed to the
Local Government Board urging them to promote legislation