§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINTo ask the Chief Secretary to Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a recrudescence of smallpox is threatened in Belfast; and that the corporation refused, contrary to the especial custom, to supply its aid to the ratepayers except where an outbreak occurs in an applicant's house or where an order from a doctor or inspector is presented; and whether he will, in the interest of the health of the city, cause representations to be made to the corporation in this matter.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) A case of smallpox occurred in Belfast on June 23rd, and the Local Government Board are informed that all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease have been taken. The patient was removed to the smallpox hospital and the other inmates to the reception house for isolation, the house was disinfected, the bedding, etc., burned, and revaccination freely administered in the neighbourhood. No further case has been reported. The Board have no information that the corporation have refused to take necessary measures for the protection of the public health.