HC Deb 18 July 1884 vol 290 cc1612-4
MR. G. W. ELLIOT

asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he was aware it was stated that Yorkshire was within measurable distance of, if not in actual contact with, Asiatic cholera; whether a vessel had not arrived at Hull with a cargo of rags, from Marseilles, on the way to Dews-bury; and, whether, in view of the great danger of Asiatic cholera invading this country, the Government would take immediate steps in regard to it?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I think it might have been better if the hon. Member had taken the trouble to ascertain the facts with regard to his Question before he put it. It so happens that the allegations made in the Question are the exact opposite of the facts. The facts are these. A ship, laden with rags from Marseilles, which are stated—there is no certain evidence in our possession—to have been packed before the outbreak of cholera, was stated to be on its way to Hull. The moment the Sanitary Authorities at Hull informed us of these facts, and stated that they desired an order that the rags should be excluded from Hull, an Order was made to exclude them, and they were excluded under similar powers to those put in force last year with regards to rags from Egypt.

MR. GIBSON

Where did they go to?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Then we were told that there was a prospect of their being landed at Goole; and a similar order was made with regard to Goole. No attempt has been made to land the rags. The person to whom the rags were consigned has been in communication with the Sanitary Authorities at Hull and Goole to see whether he could satisfy them, and, if not, he intends to take them back to France.

MR. G. W. ELLIOT

May I ask if these rags have not been landed in England?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

So far as I understand, they have not be landed at the two ports I speak of. I had a letter yesterday from the owners, stating that if they could not make any arrangements with the Sanitary Authorities of the ports, they would send these rags back to Marseilles.

LORD EDMOND EITZMAURICE

While the House is on this matter of quarantine, I am anxious to read a telegram which has been received, and which bears upon a great number of inquiries I have received from hon. Members interested in commerce. Mr. Macpherson, Vice Consul at Madrid, telegraphs— Vessels arriving from British ports must serve three days' observation in port of arrival, instead of performing quarantine at lazaretto. I think that information will be satisfactory to many hon. Members.