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.

SECTION 5.--PROPHYLAXIS.

Before discussing this question it is desirable clearly to distinguish
between the procedures which are included under this term. These are--

(1.) The supply of drugs and appliances which are made available
for use by the individual before exposure to infection. This may be
described as "anticipatory prophylaxis," and has commonly been
designated the "packet system."

The Committee condemn this procedure, for these reasons: (i) That
the system suggests a moral sanction to vice; (ii) that the
individual is lulled into a false sense of security, and may
thereby be encouraged repeatedly to expose himself to infection;
(iii) that the individual may be thereby deterred from seeking
early advice or treatment; (iv) that the drugs supplied may be used
for treating disease should it arise, and so delay may result in
seeking skilled treatment in the early stages when it is likely to
be most effective.

(2.) Treatment applied after exposure to infection. This is called
"early treatment." This term is inapplicable, as a disease cannot
be treated before it exists. It is also likely to be confused with
"abortive treatment," which implies treatment immediately on the
appearance of symptoms.

The evidence before the Committee shows that this form of
prophylaxis, if applied by skilled persons and within a few hours
of exposure, is effective in pre