HC Deb 07 February 1893 vol 8 cc664-5
MR. MACLURE (Lancashire, S. E., Stretford)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the great anxiety caused in the districts of Willington and Didsbury by the proposed erection of a Small Pox Hospital for the City of Manchester, in that most important residential suburb beyond the limits of the city; whether he is aware that there is ample space for increased accommodation at Monsall, where the present provision for small-pox patients exists; whether he has seen the strong comments made at the Lancashire County Council against this proposed building being used for a purpose so detrimental to so valuable a residential district; and whether he will have a special Report made on the subject?

MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

I will, at the same time, ask the right hon. Gentleman whether proposals are being made to increase the accommodation for small-pox patients at the Monsall Hospital, situated in North Manchester; whether he is aware that North Manchester is a densely-populated district chiefly inhabited by artizans and their families; whether he is aware small-pox is very prevalent in North Manchester owing probably to the proximity of the Monsall Hospital: that the city gas-works are also situated there and pollute the air with sulphurous fumes; and that there has been established in the district a "tip" where rubbish may be deposited, which the medical men in the district regard as a source of infectious diseases; and whether he will have a special Report made upon this proposal to increase the fever accommodation at Monsall, and also to inquire whether the nuisance caused by the rubbish tip ought to he abated, and inquire generally into the sanitary condition of the district?

*MR. H. H. FOWLER

I am aware that there is a very strong feeling in Manchester in reference to the new hospital, and in the first instance legal proceedings were instituted against the Corporation to prevent them from erecting the hospital. These proceedings were decided some days ago in favour of the Corporation, and I have just received a telegram front the Royal Courts of justice saying that the Court of Appeal has affirmed the appeal, and therefore it is clear that the Corporation are strictly within their legal rights in the course they are taking. The intervention of the Local Government Board has not been invoked; and if the Corporation of Manchester, in the exercise of any of their undoubted legal rights, apply for the sanction of the Local Government Board, it will not be given without thorough local inquiry.

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