HC Deb 28 April 1909 vol 4 cc324-5
Mr. WEIR

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he was aware that the steamship "Ionian," which left Montreal and Quebec for Glasgow early in July, 1908, had on board, in the second class, several persons suffering from consumption, some in an advanced stage; and, seeing that no isolation was effected, would he suggest to steamship companies that in future consumptive passengers be carried in deck cabins only instead of below deck, where no isolation against infection was possible?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. H. J. Tennant)

I am informed that one of the second-class passengers on the voyage referred to was a person suffering from consumption, that he was isolated from the other passengers, and that the cabin was afterwards disinfected. I believe the steamship companies are fully alive to the necessity of isolating these cases.

Mr. WEIR

Was it not found on inquiry that the person was not isolated?

Mr. TENNANT

That is not in accordance with our information, but I will make further inquiry.