HC Deb 07 November 1912 vol 43 cc1428-9
23. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to a memorial from the residents of the districts of Clondalkin, Lucan, Hazel-hatch, and Celbridge Rathcoole, Newcastle, Laggard, and Brittas, in the county of Dublin, protesting against the establishment of a hospital for consumptives at Peamount; and, seeing that the memorialists represent that the hospital will be a source of danger to the lives and certain immediate injury to the property of the residents in the neighbourhood, and in view of the difficulty which has arisen in reference to the water supply, whether he will recommend that the Grant to the Women's National Health Association should be withdrawn?

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether it is not the fact that the Grant which it is now suggested should be withdrawn, was arranged and settled at a conference of representatives of the Treasury, the Irish Local Government Board, and the Insurance Commission, and has it not given satisfaction?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Grant was arranged in those circumstances, and has been mostly spent. I have received the memorial referred to. As I have already informed the hon. Member, Peamount has been certified by several experts as entirely suitable for a sanatorium, and the fears that it will be a source of danger to the residents in the neighbourhood are entirely at variance with the best medical opinion. I am happy to say that the difficulty about the water supply has been overcome, as water was struck this morning. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the water discovered this morning is wholesome?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will, most certainly.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Have you ascertained it?

Mr. BIRRELL

I only heard this morning that it had been discovered.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Did not the right hon. Gentleman himself personally visit Peamount and consider it an extremely good and healthy establishment?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not an expert in these matters.

Mr. MOORE

Is not this matter sub judice; is there not an injunction pending in the Chancery Division; and why should the right hon. Gentleman make statements when the matter is sub judice while he always gives us that answer when we ask questions?

Mr. BIRRELL

I was asked a question and I answered it.