§ 40. Major HENNESSYasked the Minister of Health whether he has any reason for withholding the inquiry which was decided upon in October, 1921, for the purchase by the town council of Southampton of a smallpox hospital from the Winchester Rural District Council, an agreement for which was reported to the Ministry in September last, but cannot be carried out until an inquiry has been held, thereby causing a difficulty in financial arrangements by the Winchester Rural District Council?
§ Sir A. MONDI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the scheme of the county council of Southampton for the acquisition of the hospital in question and certain other smallpox hospitals in the county. I have no objection in principle to the scheme, but am advised that a local inquiry should be held before it can be sanctioned. I am ready to hold the inquiry immediately on receipt of certain information for which I asked the county council in September last, but which has not yet been supplied.