HC Deb 21 January 1924 vol 169 c526
61. Mr. F. GOULD

asked tale Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the Somerset County Council proposes to erect a small-pox hospital in a purely milk-producing parish where there is no public supply of water and no system of public sewerage, and having regard to the highly infectious nature of this disease and the strong opposition of the parishioners, he will refuse his consent to its erection?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

A public inquiry was held in November last by one of the medical officers of my Department into the proposal of the Somerset County Council to appropriate certain land for the erection of a small-pox hospital, and, after considering his report, I sanctioned the appropriation of the land for this purpose. No further consent on my part will be required unless the county council apply for sanction to a loan to defray the cost of providing the hospital.

Mr. GOULD

Does the right hon. Baronet know, and does the report state, that the outfall from the sanitary arrangements of the hospital will flow into a stream from which alone the cows of that area drink, and from which domestic service water is drawn?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I can only say that I did very fully consider this case, and on the whole I gave my assent. If the hon. Member would like to see the report, I shall be glad to show it to him.

Mr. GOULD

Thank you; I will take the opportunity of seeing it.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Perhaps the hon. Member will come round to-morrow morning.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will you be there tomorrow morning?