§ MR. MACLURE (Lancashire, S.E., Stretford)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he has received a communication from Messrs. Wood, Norris, and Wilson, on behalf of the property owners of Hope, one of the most important residential districts of Salford, praying to be heard before he grants the consent of the Local Government Board to the erection of a hospital for infectious cases in their midst when suitable and more convenient sites are available; whether, when the present Convalescent Hospital was erected, a distinct pledge was given to the residents by the Chairman of the Board of Guardians, who are now applying to erect the hospital for infectious cases, that no such patients should be 6 received; and, whether, before he grants;he consent of the Board, he will allow;he property owners, either personally or by counsel, to appear before him?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)The Guardians of the Salford Union propose to sell six or seven acres of land adjoining their infirmary at Hope to the Town Council of Salford for the erection of an infectious hospital. Representations save been made to the Local Government Board on behalf of some of the owners and ratepayers of the locality in apposition to the scheme, and asking to be heard before the consent of the Board is given to the sale. In a speech delivered when the present infirmary was opened, the then Chairman of the Board of Guardians appears to have stated that there was an understanding that the Guardians would not erect an infectious hospital on the site; but I am informed that there is no Resolution of the Guardians on the subject. I have instructed the Inspector of the district to attend a meeting of the Guardians and confer with them as to the proposed sale. On receiving his Report I will take into consideration the wish of the property owners to be heard on the subject.