A consolidating Act replaced all previous legislative public health provisions relating to public health matters, disease control, prevention and nuisance removals and inspections.
At the outbreak of war, central government gained direction over voluntary and municipal hospitals by establishing a service which paved the way for the National Health Service.
The Inter-Departmental Committee led by Sir William Beveridge, considered a founding father of the NHS, published recommendations on social insurance and allied services.
Following on from the 1944 white paper, the Act provided for the establishment of a free, universal and comprehensive health service for England and Wales.
