HC Deb 08 May 1896 vol 40 cc881-2
MR. DISRAELI (Cheshire, Altrincham)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, small-pox having broken out in the borough of Chepping Wycombe, the corporation there have placed a hospital for the reception of small-pox patients in the adjoining parish of Hughenden in spite of the protests of all the inhabitants of that parish; that the hospital is situated, not on high ground, but in the bottom of a valley about one hundred yards from inhabited cottages and close to the main road; and that the hospital is situated on marshy ground just above the springs of a stream largely used for the cultivation of watercress, which is sent to London and other places; and whether, owing to its unhealthy situation, he will communicate with the Officer of Health in that district with a view to removing what may be a great cause of increase in the small-pox epidemic?

MR. CHAPLIN

I have been informed by the Town Council of Chepping Wycombe that, in consequence of the occurrence of cases of small-pox, they had determined to erect a temporary building in a meadow in the neighbourhood of Hughenden Road. I have no information with regard to the matters referred to in the Question with respect to the site. The Town Council apparently do not propose to apply to the Board for sanction to a loan, and in that case the Board have no jurisdiction in the matter, and are not empowered to give the direction suggested to the Medical Officer of Health of the district.