§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the President of the Local Government Board, If he has received a representation from the Metropolitan District Asylums Board as to the great necessity for immediate legislation to define, and, if requisite, enlarge the powers of the Board and the local authorities of the Metropolis to enable them to discharge the duties imposed upon them under the Act of 1867, in making provision of adequate hospital 1072 accommodation for smallpox patients; and, if he will state what course he proposes to take in the matter?
§ MR. DODSONSir, I have received a representation from the managers of the Metropolitan Asylum District as to the alleged necessity for legislation to define and enlarge the powers of the managers and the local authorities. Independently of and prior to this the subject had much engaged theat tention of the Board. We are now in communication with the managers for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the amendments of the law which appear to them to be required. When we have received the reply of the managers, we shall be in a better position to determine what steps it may be expedient to take; but at the present moment it would be premature to express au opinion on the subject.