§ MR. HAYDENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that smallpox was recently introduced into Mullingar and Athlone through two men who had been landed at Southampton from the steamship "Nile"; whether he can state the steps taken by the local authorities to prevent the spread of the disease, and to what extent these steps were dependent on the consent of the persons who had come in contact with those affected; and what was the cost of the precautions taken.
§ MR. WALTER LONGYes, Sir. The steps taken in the matter were: the isolation of patients, and also of "contacts" as far as possible; the disinfection of premises; the disinfection or destruction of infected clothes, etc.; and the vaccination or re-vaccination of contacts. The latter cannot be isolated except with their own consent. The cost at Mullingar was £52 16s. The cost at Athlone has not yet been ascertained.
§ MR HAYDENWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of introducing legislation on this subject in view of the danger?
§ MR. WALTER LONGThis is a question which affects the whole kingdom. It is one of an extremely difficult and contentious character, but it is of the utmost importance and I will consider it.