HC Deb 15 July 1884 vol 290 cc1114-5
COLONEL NOLAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If any body, board, or authority in Ireland is at present in possession of a portable hospital which could be put at the disposal of any union in which cholera might break out?

MR. TREVELYAN

The facts are as I stated in reply to a similar Question last year. In two or three cases the sanitary authorities have floating or other intercepting hospitals; but, so far as the Local Government Board know, there is no body or authority in possession of a portable hospital which could be handed over to another authority if required as suggested. There are intercepting hospitals at Dublin, Queenstown, and Londonderry, and last year several sanitary authorities expressed their willingness to provide accommodation in their fever hospitals or otherwise.

COLONEL NOLAN

asked how the Government proposed to deal with any outbreak of cholera?

MR. GRAY

asked whether last year, when Ireland was threatened with cholera, the College of Physicians and the College of Surgeons did not adopt certain recommendations, one being to the effect that the hospital stationed in Dublin would not be sufficient for quarantine purposes if cholera should break out, and recommending the establishment of a quarantine station on land; whether the only land available was Government property; and, whether he was aware that the Government refused the offer of the Corporation for the quarantine station?

MR. TREVELYAN

asked for Notice of that Question.

COLONEL NOLAN

desired an answer to his Question, as to what steps the Government proposed to take?

MR. TREVELYAN

The Local Government Board will take any steps they may think necessary.

COLONEL NOLAN

said, he expected a more definite answer. He did not think the right hon. Gentleman had given him a fair reply.

MR. TREVELYAN

said, it was impossible for him, without Notice of these Questions, to furnish the House with a full statement of the views of the Local Government Board. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman would give Notice.