HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 cc1325-6W
Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Health whether he will cause immediate steps to be taken to abate the nuisance which exists in the parish of Danehill, in the Uckfield district, in consequence of the failure of the local authority to empty the cesspools of the two houses Cherrils and St. Bruno, which have, until recently, been occupied by large numbers of soldiers; whether he is aware that the said parish is without either a water supply or drainage system, and that the military authorities are unable to make use of these otherwise useful billets; and that the parish council have, without effect, drawn the attention of the local authority to their duty?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The local authority has not undertaken to cleanse cesspools in the parish of Danehill under the provisions of the Public Health Act and the responsibility for doing so rests with the respective occupiers. I am informed by the local authority that they are advised by their medical officer of health that no nuisance exists at Cherrils or St. Bruno. These houses were vacated by the military on 22nd May. I am aware that the parish of Danehill is without a water supply or drainage system and that the local authority has engaged consultants to advise on the possibility of affording a water supply in the area.