§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether it has been brought to his notice that, last Saturday, on board the training ship Worcester, at Greenhithe, some 40 boys (out of about 160) suffering from mumps, instead of being isolated, were taking their share of sweeping decks; and whether he will take steps to put a stop to this neglect of ordinary sanitary laws?
§ MR. RITCHIEAlthough the Board of Trade have no authority in the matter, I have made inquiry into the circumstances referred to in the Question. The Port Sanitary Authority of London have certain statutory powers as regards certain dangerous infectious diseases, but mumps is not one of these diseases. I am assured on behalf of the managers of the Worcester that the Cadets on board are under careful medical supervision; that cases of mumps are at once isolated and, if necessary, sent to the hospital ship; and that boys affected are not allowed to mix with the others in sweeping decks or in any other way.