§ MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is sickness among the boys of the training ship "Impregnable," at Devonport, and that for some mouths past an epidemic of scarlet fever has been prevalent; whether he will state the weekly average number of boys living on board during the past three months, also what steps are being taken to prevent a continuance of the overcrowding; whether, in view of the desirability of stamping out the epidemic before the advent of warmer weather, the Admiralty will consider the advisability of removing the whole of the boys to more healthy quarters, so that the ship may be rendered sanitary by fumigation and other remedies.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThere has been a considerable amount of sickness on board the "Impregnable," the average being slightly above that of the corresponding period of last year, but below that of 1900. There has been an epidemic of scarlet fever in a mild form, but I am glad to say that it is on the decline. In February last, in view of the presence of scarlet fever, a rigid inspection of the ship was made by the Inspector General of Plymouth Hospital, who reported that the sanitary conditions were in every way satisfactory, and that disinfection was being carried out in a very efficient manner. The last case of scarlet fever occurred on the 21st inst., and, in view of the decline in the number of cases, and of the vigorous measures which have been taken to disinfect the ship, it is hoped that the 159 disease may have been stamped out. Should this prove not to be the case, further measures will be taken for the protection of the health of the boys.