§ MR. HENEAGE (Great Grimsby)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is still the intention of the Government to send certain Militia regiments under canvas to Strensall, near York, next week; whether he is aware that the influenza epidemic is prevalent in that district as well as in North Lincolnshire, to which county one of the Militia regiments belongs; what provision has been made to secure the necessary warm and dry accommodation for any cases which may arise and require immediate and special treatment; and whether the medical authorities of the War Office have considered the great danger to which any officers or men who have recently recovered from this virulent disease, or who may suddenly fall down with it, will be subjected from undue exposure to cold or wet weather at drill and under canvas in the month of May?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEYes, Sir; certain Militia regiments will be encamped at Strensall during the next few weeks. Indeed, the 4th West York is already there. Unfortunately, the hospital at Strensall has been burnt down, but a barrack hut has been set apart as a hospital, and fitted up to accommodate some 20 patients. I am in communication with the Local Authorities on the subject, but I may say that any cases of sickness which cannot be treated at Strensall can easily be transferred to the hospital at York. I have consulted on this subject with the head of the Army Medical Department, and instructions have been sent to the principal medical officer to make a very careful inspection of any battalion now arriving at Strensall, and any men found to be unfit to bear the life in camp will be sent home.