HC Deb 27 April 1871 vol 205 cc1769-70
LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, considering that a death from confluent small-pox has occurred recently at Hounslow at the Barracks of the Fourth Middlesex Militia, and that the Militiamen themselves are drawn from parts of London where the disease is prevalent, he will consider the expediency of deferring the training of the Regiment until it can with safety be billeted upon the neighbouring villages?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, a death occurred in the case of one of the permanent Staff, who resided at Hounslow, about a month ago. The regiment assembles on Monday next, and careful precautions will be taken by the surgeon to prevent any risk of infection. The recruits, who have been there nearly a month, are very free from sickness, and it has not been thought necessary to postpone the training of the regiment.