§ SIR F. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has yet received the report of the two officers of the Department he instructed to visit the site of the proposed smallpox hospital at Hanworth, Middlesex; and whether he is now prepared to take steps to prevent the danger to London which its erection above the intakes of three of the water companies may cause.
(Answer.) Two officers of the Department have visited the site of the hospital referred to, and have made a report to me on the subject. I understand that there is no fear of pollution of the sources of supply of the water companies, provided that the cesspools on the site are emptied regularly and their contents are not allowed to overflow or soak away into the soil. I may add that, as I am advised, there is no scientific evidence to prove that smallpox infection can be conveyed by water, though, no doubt, any such risk should, if possible, be avoided.—(Loral Government Board.)