§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether he is aware that for two months past barges have been discharging their contents, consisting of hospital refuse from Chelsea, about one mile from the shore at Sheerness, and that, as a result, the refuse has been washed up in considerable quantities upon the beach, to the inconvenience of visitors, and the injury of the town both as to health and business; whether, about a month ago, the Local Board of Health made representations on the subject to the Board of Trade; and, whether any steps have as yet been taken to abate the nuisance; and, if not, whether he will at once direct inquiry to be made into the matter?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)Representations on the subject of the alleged nuisance referred to by the hon. Member have been made to the Board of Trade by the Local Board of Sheerness and other Local Bodies. The Board of Trade have only power to interfere in the matter in so far as the question of interference with the navigation is concerned, and on this point they are now in communication with the Conservators of the River Thames. The Board have also forwarded copies of the Papers to the Local Government Board in connection with the question as affecting the public health.