SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the successful action taken by the Madras municipal authorities in repressing a recent outbreak of plague in the fishing village of Kuppam; whether he is aware that the measures by which plague has been kept out of the city of Madras have met with popular approval; and whether he will invite the Government in other Provinces to follow the example of Madras, and to take measures of plague prevention in consultation with the municipal and rural local authorities.
§ MR. BRODRICKI have seen accounts of the case, which reflects great credit on the local health officers. The hamlet, however, was very favourably situated for the early discovery of the outbreak, and for prompt and effective action to stop its spread. All Provinces in India have rules which prescribe that similar preventive measures shall be taken by Government officers in consultation with the municipal and rural authorities, and with the concurrence of the people. But the degree of success attained must necessarily depend on local circumstances.