asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if his attention has been called to the statement of the Medical Officer of Health for Dublin City in reference to the importation of shaving brushes from Czecho-Slovakia affected with anthrax germs; whether anything has been done to trace such brushes, and, if so, with what result; and, further, whether there are powers existing under the Public Health Acts to deal with the situation created by the importation of said brushes, and, if so, what steps his Department has taken in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ANTHRAX IN IMPORTED SHAVING BRUSHES.
Portions of a consignment of foreign shaving brushes, among which the infection of anthrax was detected in Glasgow, were purchased in December and January last by two firms in Dublin. The Medical Officer for Dublin succeeded in securing the surrender of the suspected brushes from one of these firms. The other firm had given up business, and is believed to have removed to England. Incidents of this nature are of rare occurrence, and the existing sanitary organisation, with the co-operation of traders concerned, has proved adequate for the protection of the public. Should it be found that the interests of public health are endangered, the Public Health Acts contain authority for applying specific safeguards.