HC Deb 26 July 1927 vol 209 cc1003-5
9. Mr. B. SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade what precautionary measures are taken to prevent foreign countries shipping cereals, to which vermin infected with disease have access, on steamers loading for this country?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I have been asked to reply. In the case of foreign countries which have ratified the International Sanitary Convention of 1912, the port sanitary authorities of plague-infected ports are required to take effectual measures to prevent rats gaining access to ships.

Mr. SMITH

If such be the case, how does it come about that in the last few weeks nine ships infected with rats suffering from bubonic plague have arrived in the Port of London?

Sir K. WOOD

I should like to have notice of that question.

Commander WILLIAMS

Is not this another case where it is far better to use British goods of all kinds?

Mr. SEXTON

Is the hon. Member fully aware of the danger of the dead bodies of the vermin being carried on the belt of the grain elevator and being wound up with the wheat for public consumption, and will he take the necessary steps to prevent such a calamity?

Sir K. WOOD

I would not like to assent to that. As the hon. Member knows, many precautions are taken which, I hope, are effective.

70. Mr. B. SMITH

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the steamship "Biela" and the steamship "Isapo," now in the Port of London with a cargo of grain have been certified by the Port Sanitary Authority to be suspect of containing vermin infected with bubonic plague; what steps he proposes to take to prevent the spread of infection; is he aware that three ships, the steamship "King Frederick," the steamship "Rossetti," and the steamship "St. Holdsworth," now in the port are suspect of carrying vermin infected with bubonic plague; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent steamers from entering the river or docks of the Port of London without examination, and to cause them, if discovered to be infected, to be placed under quarantine, and have all necessary precautions been taken to prevent the carrying of the disease into the port?

Sir K. WOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. As regards the second part, as the hon. Member is aware, the Port Sanitary Authority are responsible for the measures taken to prevent the spread of infection, and all necessary measures appear to have been taken in the case of the two ships mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the fourth part, I am informed that all vessels from South American ports bound for the Port of London are boarded at Gravesend, and that vessels from these ports carrying grain are at present receiving special attention. I think the hon. Member may rest assured that the Port Sanitary Authority will take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

Mr. SMITH

My difficulty is that this question comes under three separate Departments, the Home Office, the Ministry of Health, and the Board of Trade. Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether, in fact the Home Office have issued a clean bill of health in regard to any of these ships?

Sir K. WOOD

I am afraid I cannot reply for the Home Office.

Mr. SMITH

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the risk of infection does not reside in the dead carcases of the rats which, after fumigation, are sucked up in the suckers and distributed to the various parts of London, and ultimately sold as bread mostly to poor people?

Sir K. WOOD

I hope that is not the case, and I can assure the hon. Member that precautions are taken.

Mr. SMITH

May I ask the hon. Gentleman what precautions are taken with regard to the health of the people working the ship?

Sir K. WOOD

If the hon. Member will put that question down on the Paper, I will give him an answer. It is an entirely different question.

Mr. GOSLING

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that, apart from the medical officers' reports, he is safeguarding the people in the areas in the East End from this plague being carried ashore? If this plague is carried ashore in the East End, you will not be able to stop it. We know what has happened before, and there is great danger if this plague gets into the port.

Sir K. WOOD

I can understand the natural apprehension arising with regard to the facts governing this question, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that every step which is possible is being promptly and, I believe, efficiently taken.

Mr. SEXTON

Is it not possible, in view of the very serious danger with all grain on delivery after it is taken on the belt and put into the hopper and emptied into the bags, carefully to examine the grain before it goes into the bags to see that none of these dead bodies are mixed up with the grain?

Sir K. WOOD

I think the hon. Member may rely upon it that his suggestion will be considered. I do not think any unnecessary apprehension need arise on this matter, because I believe effectual steps are being taken to deal with the situation.