§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that five patients recently escaped from their beds in the Liverpool Smallpox Hospital to the adjoining grounds, and that one of the patients subsequently found his way to a farmhouse where he saw the farmer and other inmates who were subsequently vaccinated at the suggestion of the hospital authorities; and will he consider the expediency of ordering some inquiry with a view to patients in this hospital being more carefully guarded.
MR. GRANT LAWSONI am informed by the Town Clerk of Liverpool that he has caused inquiries to be made as to the statement that five patients had escaped from the hospital referred to. He finds that there is no foundation for this statement. I understand that the patient referred to in the answer that was given to the hon. Member last Thursday week, † found his way to the farm mentioned in the Question; but as was then stated the incident was not attended with any ill effects either to the man or anyone else, and I do not propose to take any steps in the matter.