§ MR. LEES KNOWLES (on behalf of the hon. Member for the Knutsford Division of Cheshire)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to two cases of smallpox in London which have been distinctly traced to neglect of 1433 due precautions by the authorities at Hull; and what steps he intends to take in the matter to prevent similar cases of outbreak of smallpox.
§ MR. CHAPLINI have made inquiry with regard to this matter. It appeal's that the two men from whom the cases referred to are thought to have derived the infection were employed by a contractor in erecting additional buildings at the smallpox hospital at Hull. I am informed that it was desired by the Hull authorities that the men employed should be re-vaccinated before entering on this work. It was also arranged that the men should not be required to work within 60 feet of any building in which there were smallpox patients, but there is some conflict of testimony as to whether this arrangement was strictly observed. The only effective precaution that can be taken in eases of this kind is re-vaccination, and in the present instance gratuitous re-vaccination was offered to the men, but unfortunately they declined to accept the offer.