§ 39. Sir IVOR HERBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the danger to the public health caused by the condition of some Territorial camping grounds; and whether he has any statement to make thereon?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe War Office have been in constant communication with the Local Government Board as to the precautions necessary in connection with the aggregation of troops, prisoners and refugees in camps and other places, and on 31st August the Board's Medical Officer sent a circular letter to the medical 860 officers of health of all sanitary districts, inviting them, if there were troops in their districts, to co-operate with the military medical authorities in all sanitary matters connected with the troops. The War Office sent copies of this circular to the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all military districts, asking them to do all in their power to maintain thorough sanitary supervision. Inspectors of the Local Government Board are now visiting various districts in which troops are congregated, conferring with the military and civil medical authorities, and reporting to the Board on the arrangements made. There appears to be no evidence at present that the condition of any Territorial camping ground is such as to endanger the public health. If my hon. and gallant Friend has such information, perhaps he would communicate it to the War Office. Inspections could thus be made, and we should be glad to make inquiry, and I am assured we shall have the assistance of the Local Government Board in any inquiry we institute.