The Committee are of the opinion that by the strict exercise of the
provisions of section 111 of the Health Act, 1920, much may be done to
prevent introduction of venereal diseases from overseas. They suggest,
however, that where any person so suffering is required or permitted to
attend a clinic he should be accompanied by some responsible officer of
the ship, or person authorized by the shipping company concerned, and
that the question on the "Report of Master of the Ship" defined by
regulations--"Are you aware of the presence on board of any person
suffering from ... _(b)_ venereal disease?"--might be strengthened by
adopting the Australian quarantine service equivalent viz., "Is there
now or has there been on board during the voyage any person suffering
from demonstrable syphilis in an active condition, or other communicable
disease?"
The evidence given does not show that the number of venereal-diseases
cases already in the Dominion is greatly added to by the introduction of
cases from overseas. Since 1903 persons suffering from syphilis have
been "prohibited immigrants" within the meaning of the Immigration
Restriction Act.