§ SIR T. ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)(on behalf of the hon. Member for South Meath): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that recently the sub-sanitary officer of the Enniskillen Urban Sanitary Authority inspected the main barracks, and reported parts of the premises to be in an unsanitary condition; that on notice being served on Colonel Partridge, the officer in command, to abate the nuisance, he wrote to the Chairman of the Sanitary Board that his official had no right to enter or inspect the military barracks, and, though within the sanitary area, the Sanitary Authority has no jurisdiction nor control over military premises for sanitary purposes; and will he state, for the guidance of the Sanitary Authority, if Colonel Partridge has correctly stated the law in this case, and also by what Statute is such exemption made?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN, Stirling, &c.)It is true that on a recent occasion a sanitary sub-officer entered the barracks, reported a supposed nuisance, and threatened a summons. The commanding officer wrote to the Chairman of the Board, saying—
That though he was willing to assist in keeping the town clean, he could not recognise the right of the Inspector to enter the barracks, which are inspected by a military medical officer, who is also a member of the Urban Sanitary Board, without referring the matter, which he offered to do.He afterwards saw the Chairman of the Board, who admitted that the sub-Inspector had no right to enter the barracks without Colonel Partridge's permission. I am informed by the legal adviser in Ireland to the War Department that Colonel Partridge correctly stated the law.