MR. FIELD; I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware that, in February 1897, the medical officer, Dr. Cleary, reported to the guardians of Belmullet Union an epidemic of fever, and asked that proper sanitary precautions should be taken; (2) whether the Government will give a grant to relieve the distress and provide the nourishment necessary for the islanders of Inniskea; and (3) whether, as the communication between the mainland and the island is by open boat, it will be improved and facilitated during this exceptional period?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe facts are as stated in the first paragraph. The fever cases referred to occurred on the mainland where, I regret to state, fever is seldom entirely absent, owing to the insanitary condition of many of the dwellings of the people. The necessary sanitary precautions were at once adopted by the guardians, and the medical inspector of the Local Government Board was instructed personally to satisfy himself that all the requisite steps were taken, as well as to assist the guardians by his advice. As regards the islanders of Inniskea, relief and nourishment have already been provided for those of the 1473 islanders who are sick or destitute. The Congested Districts Board have placed their steamer at the disposal of the guardians mid the local officials for the purpose of communication with the island.
§ MR. D. CRILLY (Mayo, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is assured that the Congested Districts Board has granted the free use of a large shed for the nursing of the fever-stricken people of Inniskea Island; (2) whether he is aware that on Monday last Mr. Charles Kennedy, a member of the Congested Districts Hoard, attended a meeting of committee of the Belmullet Board of Guardians, and offered, on behalf of the Congested Districts Board, to sell some vacant shells, at a price varying from £20 to £100, to the Board of Guardians for nursing purposes; and (3) if such is the fact, the Local Government Board will provide free hospital accommodation for the invalids of Inniskea, Island?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Congested Districts Board have lent buildings on Inniskea Island to the Board of Guardians free of all cost or expense. I understand that Mr. Kennedy did not make the offer alleged in the second paragraph.