HC Deb 21 February 1907 vol 169 c1051
MR. M'KILLOP (Armagh, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a Commission is being appointed to inquire into the high death-rate in Belfast and the sanitary regulations in that city; that the names already published do not include any unofficial member of the medical profession; and whether, in view of the importance of the question, he will consider the advisability of appointing to the Commission some such representative acquainted with the laws of sanitation in Ireland.

MR. BIRRELL

I understand that my predecessor gave the most careful consideration to the constitution of the Departmental Committee which has been appointed to inquire into the sanitary condition of Belfast, and there appears to be no sufficient reason for adding to the number. In addition to the expert knowledge possessed by the official medical members who have been appointed, the Committee will doubtless have the advantage of hearing the views of a number of eminent members of the medical profession who are fully acquainted with the sanitary condition of Belfast, and with the laws of sanitation generally.

In answer to MR. Mooney,

MR. BIRRELL

said the Medical Officer of Health for Glasgow had been asked to report on the subject.

MR. MOONEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any case in which an Irish Medical Officer of Health has been asked to report on the sanitary conditions of a Scottish town?

[No Answer was returned.]