§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the attention of the Board has been directed to the extensive prevalence of lead poisoning in Sheffield and the surrounding districts, due to the drinking water, and affecting about 1,000 persons, as reported in the British Medical Journal of April 26th; and whether he proposes to order an inquiry by the Board into the circumstances, and the best means of remedying them?
§ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE,) Tower Hamlets, St. George'sI have received a communication from the Town Clerk of Sheffield, from which it appears that a Committee, which included Professor Dewar, Dr. Bristowe, and Mr. Hawkesley, was appointed by the Town Council to consider the extensive prevalence of lead poisoning in Sheffield and the surrounding districts due to the drinking water, and that the remedy recommended by that Committee has been adopted by the Town Council. The results as regards the improvement of the water supply are stated to have been decidedly beneficial, and the Town Council hope that a complete remedy will be provided.