HC Deb 04 May 1939 vol 346 cc2063-4
55 and 56. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the Minister of Health (1) particulars of any cases in which port health authorities have made use of their power to abate nuisances in crews' quarters when nuisance orders have not been complied with;

(2) whether any persons have been prosecuted under the Public Health Act, 1936, for failure to comply with a nuisance order made by a court of summary jurisdiction in respect of nuisances or defects in crews' accommodation?

Mr. Elliot

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the reply given to the question asked by him on 2nd March last. A port medical officer of health is not required to state in his annual report the number of prosecutions instituted or particulars of the action taken in individual cases, but I will ascertain whether there is any information readily available on the matters to which the hon. Member refers and will communicate with him.

Mr. Smith

Of course the right hon. Gentleman is aware that many of these defects which are reported are more or less perpetuated, and yet no medical officers of health and no officers in his Department take action against the master or the owners of these vessels?

Viscountess Astor

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that it has been a scandal for years that nothing has been done?

57. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the requirements of Section 93 (a) of the Public Health Act, 1936, he will draw the attention of the port medical officers of health to the necessity for serving abatement notices on the owners of vessels in cases in which defects in crews' accommodation are due to structural causes?

Mr. Elliot

I believe that that statutory provision to which the hon. Member refers is well known to port health authorities but if the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind I should be glad to inquire into them.

Mr. Smith

The port medical authorities may have the knowledge, but has the Minister himself the knowledge; and if he has not, will he obtain it and act upon it?

Mr. Elliot

Of course, the Minister is well acquainted with the Statutes.