§ 30. Mr. HAMER RUSSELLasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Medical Officer of Health of the city of Sheffield, although possessing abundant evidence of bug-infested property, has no power to eradicate this nuisance, and that alternative accommodation cannot be sanctioned for the tenants concerned on the ground that the property is not slum property; and whether, in view of the danger to public health arising from the existence of bug-infested property, he will make investigations and, if advisable, issue compulsory orders?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)Under Part IV of the Public Health Act, 1925, which is in force in the city of Sheffield, the corporation have power to secure the cleansing of verminous premises, and when this is done it is not necessary to provide alternative accommodation. My right hon. Friend will be glad to make inquiries about one case, which my hon. Friend has brought to his notice, in which it is suggested that cleansing is impossible owing to the nature of the premises infected. My right hon. Friend will communicate with him about this case, and send him a copy of a memorandum which has been issued to local authorities.
§ Mr. PIKEWill the hon. Gentleman inform the medical officer in Sheffield of the existence of the Act which he has quoted and the special Clause to which he has referred, and is he aware that the request is made in view of the fact that the medical officer himself has definitely written to state that he possesses no power whatever to proclaim bug-infested properties?