HC Deb 31 October 1918 vol 110 c1584
15. Mr. KING

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can give information concerning the outbreak of an epidemic among prisoners in Belfast Goal; how many cases have occurred; and whether the deficiency of nursing, medical, and dietary requirements have been met?

Mr. SAMUELS

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday. The most recent information is as follows:

The number of cases of influenza that have occurred is 118. Of these nine patients have been removed to extern hospitals on the recommendation of the medical officer to the prison. The large majority of the remaining cases are suffering from a mild type of the disease and satisfactory treatment for them is available in the prison. Medicines and special dietary have been prescribed where necessary in individual cases, and where special nursing is required the patient is removed to an extern hospital. The medical officer has already secured the assistance of two other medical men as well as of Professor McKisack, M.D., consultant, and there is no reason to think that the cases are not receiving all proper attention.

Mr. KING

Have any deaths been occurring?

Mr. SAMUELS

I have no information.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry—it is a very short point?

Mr. SAMUELS

I am sure that I shall have the information by telegram to-day.