§ SIR E. WATKIN (Hythe)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he has received any reply from the Local Authority in reference to the defective sanitary state of the Palace Hotel, at Birkdale (Southport); and if the managers of that hotel are now receiving visitors with the approval of such Local Authority?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Sir W. FOSTER,) Derby, IlkestonI was informed by the Birkdale Local Board, in a letter dated the 8th inst., that in consequence of an action for damages which has been brought against, the proprietors of the hotel referred to, the proprietors have asked the Local Board to make an exhaustive examination of the drains and the sanitary condition of the hotel; that that examination was being made, and so far as it had proceeded there was no cause for alarm or for closing the hotel. I am also informed by the solicitors of the proprietors that only one complaint has been made with reference to the sanitary condition of the hotel, and that this is the one preferred by the plaintiff in the action alluded to.
§ SIR E. WATKINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that three engineers and a doctor have all condemned the hotel?
§ SIR W. FOSTERI have no information beyond that which I have stated, but I will make further inquiries.
§ SIR E. WATKINThe hon. Member has the Papers, which will show the facts.