HC Deb 17 April 1929 vol 227 cc244-5
20. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make any statement regarding the transfer of an engineer and of foodstuffs from the steamship "Tuscania" to other ships at the port of Glasgow before the steamship "Tuscania" was fumigated or disinfected after an outbreak of small-pox?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

The steamship "Tuscania" has been dealt with by the medical authorities of the port of Glasgow in the manner authorised by the International Sanitary Convention of 1926, which was ratified by this country last year. Two engineers and some frozen fowls and frozen ducks were transferred from the "Tuscania" to the steamship "Caledonia" before fumigation or disinfection had been carried out. The doctor and the purser of the "Caledonia" were notified that the engineers and foodstuffs were from the "Tuscania." In terms of the International Sanitary Convention, the Medical Officer of Health of Glasgow had no power to prevent the transfer to another vessel of the engineers, who were not suffering from small-pox, or of the foodstuffs, even if he had thought it desirable to do so. So far as it known, no other foodstuffs were transferred from the "Tuscania" to the "Caledonia" or any other ship. I am satisfied not only that the measures taken by the medical authorities of Glasgow are in accordance with the Convention but also that they are all that could reasonably be done to prevent the spread of infection.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that 40 bags of flour were transferred from another ship called the "California"; and does he allege that reports were not given to the port medical authorities by the representatives of the Dockers' Union and the dockers who were compelled to handle these goods before the "Caledonia" and the "California" sailed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I can only give the hon. Member the information in my possession. If he has any further information and will give me the details, I will have them investigated.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the medical officer of the "Caledonia" was aware that these engineers and this foodstuff came from a vessel in which small-pox had broken out?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Yes. I am told that he was fully aware of the circumstances.