§ MR. CADOGANasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on the 8th February a vessel called "The Star," from Hartlepool to London, put in at Grimsby, where the Captain landed a seaman suffering from small pox, and that the Captain was thereupon ordered by the authorities to take the man on board again, and was informed that his conduct subjected him to a severe penalty?
MR. BRUCESir, I have inquired into the case, which does not appear to be exactly as has been represented. It appears that the captain of the Star landed one of his sailors at the Royal Dock on or about 8th of February, and took him through the streets to the office of the clerk of the peace, leaving him outside the office while he went in, and stated his belief that the man was suffer 1383 ing from small-pox. He was told that he ought not to take the man about the public streets, as it was dangerous, and contrary to law; and he was recommended to take lodgings for the sick man; and as he apprehended some difficulty in finding them under the circumstances of the case, he was advised to apply to the relieving officer. He went to the relieving officer's house, and found that he was not at home, and he was again recommended to get the man lodgings. He was now told to take the man on board again; and I believe that he did not apply to any other person. I will add that this scandal, as I may call it, has arisen in consequence of Great Grimsby not having availed itself of the power given under the 37th clause of the Sanitary Act to erect either temporary or permanent hospitals, which, necessary in all large towns, are especially indispensable in our seaports.