HC Deb 09 March 1911 vol 22 cc1381-2
Mr. DUFFY

asked whether any preventative measures have been taken by the Government to prevent a recurrence of the typhoid epidemic which visited and ruined so many families in the bog area of Glones, Athenry, all through last year; whether he is aware that the tenants are living in a wilderness of marsh and bog, and in constant terror of invading disease; whether the Browne estate in the district has been offered to the Commissioners; and whether, in view of the urgency of dealing with this fever-threatened district as soon as possible, the right hon. Gentleman will direct the attention of the Estates Commissioners and the Congested Districts Board to the exceptional circumstances of this village with a view of removing the people on to the lands of the Browne and Monahan estates?

Mr. BIRRELL

Five cases of typhoid fever which occurred in two families at the place referred to were notified to the Local Government Board during the year 1910. The usual precautionary measures were carried out. It devolves on the sanitary authority and their officers and not upon the Local Government Board to take preventive action in connection with outbreaks of infectious disease. The Glones section of the Browne Estate has been offered to the Congested Districts Board, and the offer will be considered by them. The Monahan estate was offered for sale in 1906, but the offer was declined by the Board.