HC Deb 27 April 1939 vol 346 cc1311-3
60. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether records are kept of the nuisances and defects in crews' accommodation which are not remedied at the port of detection; whether the inspector at the port of detection is notified in cases in which the remedy is effected at a subsequent port of call; and whether particulars of unremedied nuisances and defects are reported to his Department or to some other authority for attention?

Mr. Elliot

Records of nuisances and defects in crews' accommodation which are not remedied at the port of detection are kept by port health authorities. There is no general requirement as to the notification of unremedied nuisances and defects to subsequent ports of call, but where such a notification is given, I think it would usually be the practice for the medical officer of health of the subsequent port to notify the port of detection of the action taken by him and of its result. Particulars of unremedied nuisances and defects are not reported to my Department or to any other authority except that of a subsequent port of call.

Mr. Smith

Would the right hon. Gentleman not reverse that process, as it is very easy for ships to be overlooked in any port and not be examined if they have not been reported by another port? Would he reverse the process and ask or instruct the medical officers to report those ships at the various ports of call, as by that means the proper remedies might be made effective?

Mr. Elliot

The hon. Member has two other questions on the Paper on this subject. As he knows, he and I have been in correspondence on the matter. I will certainly take this question into consideration in the review of the matter which we are having.

61. Mr. Smith

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements are made in his Department for examining the reports of the medical officers of health and sanitary inspectors of port health districts and acting upon the information and suggestions contained therein?

Mr. Elliot

The annual reports of the medical officers of health of port health districts (which include the particulars supplied by sanitary inspectors) are examined by officers of my Department. Summaries are made of some of the information contained in the reports, and notes of any exceptional information or suggestions are taken, with a view to appropriate action, which may include in some cases a visit to the port by a medical officer of my Department.

Mr. Smith

How many such visits have been made on reports arising out of the services of his officers?

Mr. Elliot

I could not say without notice.

62. Mr. Smith

asked the Minister of Health what conditions have to be fulfilled before a port medical officer of health can record that a notice to remedy a nuisance or defect in the accommodation for the crew by a vessel has been complied with?

Mr. Elliot

This is a matter primarily for the judgment of the medical officer of health, but the ordinary practice is to verify by inspection that the nuisance or defect has been remedied.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he gave powers of supervision to medical officers of health that would be the best course to take in order to carry out the desire of this country and this House and I believe of the Government.

Mr. Elliot

These are responsible officers and you must leave something to their judgment.

Mr. Smith

Surely there must be some over-riding authority for any officer of a Department?

Mr. Elliot

It would be greatly to the advantage of the subject which the hon. Member and I both have at heart if the hon. Member would have confidence in the Department.

Mr. Smith

I did have an appointment with the right hon. Gentleman's Department, but illness precluded me from keeping it and I have asked for a further meeting, which I cannot have until 8th May.