Of great importance in the reconstruction program of the United Kingdom is the new ministry of health authorized by act of Parliament on June 3. At first sight it would seem that the local government board has merely changed its name. But this is not the whole truth. The new ministry is to become the one authority in all matters of health, taking over such duties from the home office with reference to factories and workshops, and from the education department, in regard to children at school. It will also assume, in England, the responsibilities of the national insurance commissioners under the legislation of 1911.