HC Deb 30 March 1938 vol 333 cc1989-91
34. Mr. Gallacher

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information concerning the outbreak of disease among boys on board His Majesty's Ship "Caledonia"; how many cases have been reported of scarlet fever, middle-ear disease, and rheumatic fever; how many have been removed to shore hospitals with rheumatic hearts; and what steps are being taken to cope with this situation?

Mr. Cooper

The number of cases of scarlet fever and rheumatic fever that have occurred among boys in his Majesty's Ship "Caledonia" since 10th May, 1937, when the first entries were made, are 74 and 31 respectively. The number of cases of middle-ear disease to 31st December, 1937, was 20: since then there have been 30 cases of ear trouble, but how many of these were middle-ear disease is not known. I am obtaining the information and will communicate it to the hon. Member. Seven boys suffering from rheumatism with heart complications have been sent to civil hospitals on shore. These numbers are not greater than are to be expected periodically in institutions of the type and size of His Majesty's Ship "Caledonia," and at the present time the amount of sickness there is declining. The position is being carefully watched, and all the usual precautions to limit the spread of infectious disease are in force.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the very grave concern that is being felt by the families of these lads—is the right hon. Gentleman aware, for instance, that a mother gets a message that her boy has been sent home in an ambulance, and another writes to say that she is in a terrible state of distress because of the condition her boy has come home in—will he not put an end to this "Caledonia," which is a death ship, and give the boys proper quarters on shore, and give them proper diet?

Mr. Cooper

I can assure the hon. Member that the conditions on the "Caledonia" are extremely modem and up-to-date, and I shall be very pleased if he will take an opportunity to visit it for himself, when I am sure he will be very satisfied. I do not think the amount of disease that has occurred among the 1,000 boys and more would compare unfavourably with any similar institution in this country.

Mr. Gallacher

I shall be very pleased to take an opportunity of visiting the "Caledonia," but I give notice that, because of the concern of the parents of these boys, I will raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.