§ MR. J. R. YORKEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to a paragraph in "The Lancet" of this week alluding to the prevalence of scarlet fever in Knightsbridge Barracks, in which the following passage occurs:— 296
We have frequently had occasion to point out the insanitary condition of these barracks. This is not the first time that similar outbreaks have occurred. The drainage is most defective. The children's school-room is situated quite close to a large manure heap, exposed to all its reeking effluvium. This unwholesome building ought at once to be removed—it is not right that it should remain in the most fashionable and frequented part of town;and, whether the above account is substantially correct, and, if it be so, what steps the Government are prepared to take in order to remedy such a condition of things?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, it is believed that the scarlatina—it is not scarlet fever—was brought into the barracks from outside; and on reference to the annual sanitary Reports for the last five years, 1870 to 1874 inclusive, it appears that no allusion is made to the outbreak of any epidemic disease; on the contrary, it is expressly stated that the regiments occupying these barracks have been usually very healthy. The drainage was found defective in some particulars last year, and the necessary remedies were applied. A few further small improvements to it have recently been brought to notice, and have been ordered to be attended to. It is possible that while the stables are being cleaned out—an ordinary occurrence in Cavalry barracks—manure may have been left for a short time near the school-room; but the proper receptacle for it, pending frequent removal, is in another part of the barracks, about 140 feet distant.