The Press.
London, England, 1857-06-13 00:00:00

575

tions of or additions to the original plans which had
been determined on, by whom they were recom-
mended, to whom they were referred for approval.
And copy of coirespondence or rep,,rts relating
thereto which had led to the adoption of the
amended plan.
Sir J. RAMSDEN did not oppose the granting the
returns. When they were upon the table he felt
suze they would be the means of disposing of the
misapprehension which appeared to prevail on the
subject. In fact, this site had been selected by an
eminent medical gentleman. He would, however, not
go into the matter, as the papers would subse-
quently be in the hands of lion, members.
Mr. STAFFORD rejoiced that so ample and minute a
return had been moved for :

He would observe that an earnest protest against this
hospital was matte to Lord Panmure iu February last by the
whole of the medical gentlemen connected with the Middle.
sex Hospital. He should move that this paper be laid
before the house. Another communication had also been
made by these gentlemen to Lord Peniunre, dated the 4th
May lust, mid to this no reply had been given. That letter
stated that Captain Lillian had explained to them the
system of ventilation about to be adopted which would put
an end to the insalubrity of the hospital. That system was
to draw a supply of fresh air from a field at a distance.
This was to be pumped into the hospital, and drawn out
by a fire at the top of the building. These gentlemen repre.
sensed to Captain Laffin that such a plan was fraught with
evil ; that the hospital being in the country, the obvious
means of ventilation was through the windows ; that the
result of pumping up air would be to force effluvia fi om
the rooms and outhouses. all over the house. Under these
circumstances, they stated to Lord Paniuure that they could
not think, therefore, that the state of the hospital was
improved by what had taken place. The writers concluded
by saying that the building would be a hotbed of erysipelas
and hospital gangrene. When the return which was moved
for by the hon. member was laid on the table, they would
then see who was the gentleman who had taken upon him.
self the responsibility of recommending this plan.
Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT thought that besides faults
of construction a radical error had been committed

in the selection of the site, as it was open to grave
doubt whether from its position the hospital could
become generally available for the use of the army,
and, in consequence, fail to form that medical
school for young practitioners originally intended.
Lord PALMERSTON said that as to the site he bad
never heard that that side of the river was at all
unhealthy. With respect to the construction of the
hospital considerable differences of opinion existed
as to the proper construction of a hospital ; but the
matter had attracted the serious attention of the
Government, and the greatest care would be taken
to adapt the building to the purpose for which it was
intended.
The motion was agreed to.

ECCLI

COMMISSIONERS.

Sir G. GREY moved for leave to bring in a bill
further to amend the act relating to the Ecclesias-
tical Commisiionet s and to continue the act concern-
ing the management of episcopal and oapitular
estates m England.
Mr. NEATE said at a future time he should state
fully the grounds upon which he should oppose the
passing of this bill.
Leave was then given.