HC Deb 23 December 1937 vol 330 cc2141-2
32. Mr. James Hall

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there was an outbreak of typhoid on board the steamship "Strathaird" on her last homeward voyage in October; whether any passengers suffering from typhoid were landed at Marseilles; whether the members of the crew were inoculated against typhoid; whether the passengers and crew landed in London who were possible contacts were followed up; and whether or not any of them were traced to Croydon?

Sir K. Wood

I am aware of the outbreak to which the hon. Member refers. From the information in my possession it does not appear that any passengers suffering from typhoid were landed at Marseilles. I understand that the members of the crew were not inoculated. The names and addresses of the 329 passengers and of the 233 European members of the crew were sent by the London port health authority to the medical officers of health of the districts of destination. Three passengers and two members of the crew gave addresses in Croydon, and I am informed by the local authority that they were followed up and are reported to have remained in good health.

Mr. Hannah

Does not such a question as this tend to drive people to travel by foreign lines?

33. Mr. Hall

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the freshwater tanks aboard the Peninsula and Oriental ships; and what precautions were taken, in view of the suspected cases of typhoid on board the steamship "Strathaird," when the tanks were cleaned in London, to ensure that tainted water was not pumped from one tank to another?

Sir K. Wood

I am informed that the drinking water on the ship to which the hon. Member refers was adversely reported on when she arrived at Aden, and in consequence the water in all the tanks was chlorinated. On arrival at Tilbury instructions were given that all fresh water tanks should be emptied, cleansed and cement washed, and then refilled from the quay hydrant and the water chlorinated. Precautions were taken to the satisfaction of the port health authority to prevent tainted water being pumped into a tank which had been cleansed.

Mr. Hall

Is the right hon. Gentleman convinced that the water was not pumped from one tank to another and was, in fact, emptied away?

Sir K. Wood

If the hon. Gentleman will communicate with me, I will gladly make any further inquiries which he would like to have made.