§ Sir E. CORNWALLI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what steps are being taken to prevent any epidemic of disease occurring in this country in consequence of the arrival of refugees and others from those parts where disease is likely to be?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)As the hon. Member sent me notice but a few minutes ago, I can give only a general reply. Although there is no reason to apprehend any immediate danger of the kind suggested in the question, the Local Government Board are fully alive to the necessity of taking precautions. When we learnt a few days ago that a considerable number 378 of refugees were coming in from the Continent, the Board sent a medical inspector down to the port to make a special examination of those who arrived. Two-days ago we sent a reminder to local authorities of their duties in connection with the prevention of small-pox, with instructions as to the course to be taken in the event of an outbreak. I can assure-the hon. Member that the Local Government Board are exercising every vigilance-to safeguard the health of the people.