§ 54. Sir H. CARLILEasked the President of the Local Government Board what special provisions are being made for guarding against the risk of cholera, now rampant in Turkey, being brought into this country; and whether, in view of the maritime traffic between Great Britain and the Black Sea, he is making any arrangements for detailed examination of crews and their 469 effects in all cases where the vessels have touched at the Golden Horn?
§ Mr. LEWISThe Regulations of the Local Government Board, dated 9th September, 1907, contain the provisions which are in force for protecting this country against cholera. These Regulations are based on the International Convention. Under the Regulations the Customs officer is required, on the arrival of a ship, to ascertain, so far as possible, whether the ship is an infected ship or has come from an infected port, and to question the captain. If he finds that the ship is an infected ship or suspected ship, he is required to detain the ship, and to inform the sanitary authority. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Regulations.
§ Sir H. CARLILEMay I ask whether jus Department will consider the urgency of taking special precautions at the present time with reference to this matter?
§ Mr. LEWISThe Local Government Board are watching the situation very carefully, and the hon. Member may rely upon it the Department will take all necessary precautions.