§ MR. PEMBERTONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that on the 21st ultimo a man employed by the authorities of the War office at Sheerness lost his life in cleaning out a drain owing to the foul air and gas; and, whether such drain had been allowed to remain uncleansed for many months, although the attention of the officer who had charge of the drainage was repeatedly called to its condition by the Local Board of Health in the district?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYYes, it is true. The drain in question was regularly emptied every 24 hours, and special means of flushing are provided; but these means had not been in use in 417 consequence of the water in the moat from which it is flushed having been drawn off to allow the Local Board to obtain earth from the moat for formation of the sea embankment, which earth was given them by the War Office. The Local Board have on two occasions stated the outlet of this drain to be a nuisance, but the accident occurred over 400 yards from this outlet, at a man-hole which has never been complained of, and which has not been opened for 20 years. At the Coroner's inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was given after a thorough investigation. The drain has always been in good working order, and a letter received this morning from the Town Clerk of Rochester reports that the spot has been inspected by the principal water bailiff, and—
that there is no nuisance existing by reason of the discharge of the sewage, and that no nuisance is occasioned provided the sluice is opened at proper intervals (it is opened regularly every 24 hours), and that due provision appears to have been made in this respect up to this time.