§ MR. DUFFY (Galway, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that typhus fever has broken out in one of the Arran Islands, Galway; that no steps were taken by the medical inspector to prevent this outbreak; and that the unsanitary condition of the burial grounds was brought under the notice of the late Chief Secretary by questions asked in the House on, 6th July and 2nd August, 1900; whether the medical inspector has visited the island since complaint was made in July; whether he is aware that one death from typhus has already occurred; and whether he will inquire if the person placed in charge of the patients is a man duly fitted to discharge the duties entrusted to him.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThere are four cases of typhus under treatment in the Arran Islands. One other case has proved fatal. The condition of the graveyard has been repeatedly brought under the notice of the local, council, and questions were addressed to my predecessor on the subject. The duty of taking steps to prevent outbreaks of fever devolves upon the local authority, and not upon the medical inspector of the Local Government Board. That gentleman visited the islands last week. The medical officer of health considers the person referred to in the last paragraph com- 73 petent to discharge his duties. The medical inspector proposes to visit the islands again to-day, and he will consult with the medical officer as to further steps, if any, that may be required.
§ *MR. DUFFYIs it a fact that the Local Government Board inspector never visited this island from July last until this question appeared on the Paper a day or two since?
§ MR. WYNDHAMMy reply shows that the duty of taking the necessary preventive measures rests in these cases with the local authorities.