§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the outbreak of enteric fever in the Tarbert district during the summer and autumn months of last year, resulting in the loss of seven lives and suffering to about 20 more; whether he is aware that Professor McWeeney stated in his report on the specimens of the water forwarded to him for bacteriological examination that the water was quite unfit for use and dangerous to health, being highly charged with sewage germs, and that, notwithstanding his report, neither the local sanitary authority nor the Local Government Board have taken steps to provide a sufficient and pure supply of water to the district; and whether, in view of the danger of a fresh outbreak, he will move the Local Government Board to take effective measures to prevent a recurrence of this scourge?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Local Government Board that 19 cases of enteric fever occurred at Tarbert, several of which ended fatally. The outbreak was found, on investigation, to be due to separated creamery milk and not to water. The results of the examination of the Tarbert water supply were conflicting, but the report by the bacteriologist, Dr. McWeeney, on the most recent examination, was to the effect that he saw no reason for condemning the water. When the outbreak was reported to the Local Government Board, they at once urged the local sanitary authority to deal with the water supply, and the sanitary authority have now ordered that an additional supply of water should be provided for Tarbert and have appointed a committee to deal with the question.