Mr. SHIRLEY BENN(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the conflicting reports in letters published in the daily Press regarding the health of the boys at Osborne; if he is in a position to make any reassuring statement to the House?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAA serious outbreak of epidemic diseases has been experienced at Osborne during the present term. The diseases furnishing the greater number of cases were measles and influenza. The former, introduced by a boy joining from home, was of a severe type, and in a considerable number of cases was followed by broncho-pneumonia, causing six deaths.
At one time there were 280 cases on the sick list, but the epidemic is now fast subsiding, and the last report gives 76 cases under treatment. We have, I am glad to say, been able to obtain an ample supply of doctors and nurses, and everything possible has been done for the patients.
I would observe that a similar type of pneumonia has prevailed in a number of the Public Schools during the past three months, and at least four have had to be closed on account of the severe illness.
It is worth while noting that as regards the segregation of boys, all pretty much 1484 of the same age, and therefore peculiarly liable to the spread of infection, this Institution is unique among the educational boarding establishments of the country of this class. I would further observe that I think this establishment is also unique amongst the Public Schools of the country in the proportion of new entries received each year.
§ Mr. P. A. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Local Government Board to take some drastic measures to deal with this disease?
§ Dr. MACNAMARADoes the hon. Gentleman mean outside our own particular case? I think we shall be able to handle cases at Osborne, but as regards other cases it would not be in my province from a civil point of view to make representations.