§ 65. Sir W. Smilesasked the Minister of Health how many British steamers inspected by the Cardiff port sanitary authority during the past year were found to be vermin-ridden?
§ The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)I am informed by the Port Health Authority that the number was 114.
§ Sir W. SmilesHas my right hon. Friend any evidence that conditions on foreign steamers are very much superior to those on British steamers?
§ Sir K. WoodI will inquire.
Viscountess AstorIf my right hon. Friend finds that they are working under these conditions, will he take immediate steps to put it right?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, so far as is in my power.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this matter was raised 18 months ago in this House, no improvement has been effected? Will he not use his good offices with the sanitary authorities to effect an immediate improvement?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. As a matter of fact, in all these cases notice has been served on the owners requiring them to take certain steps. Advice was given as to the most effective measures to adopt, and verminous bedding was destroyed.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the same inspection as was carried out at Cardiff will be carried out at other ports, where these inspections are not carried out?