asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a coloured man from Scunthorpe has been suffering from smallpox; when this man was first vaccinated; how recently he was last vaccinated; and what is his present condition.

The final diagnosis in this case was chicken pox and the man's condition is now satisfactory. So far as could be ascertained he was never vaccinated.

asked the Minister of Health whether the diagnosis of smallpox in a two-year-old New Ferry child was confirmed; whether he is aware that there have been secondary cases; on what date the secondary cases were vaccinated or revaccinated; on what date smallpox infections in the secondary cases were suspected or confirmed; and what is the present condition of the cases.

The diagnosis of smallpox in the two-year-old boy was made on 14th April and confirmed later. Two secondary cases occurred in persons living in the same house: his grandmother, who had been vaccinated in infancy and re-vaccinated on 14th April, was suspected of suffering from smallpox on 21st April and this was confirmed on 24th April; and the boy's seven-year-old sister, who received a primary vaccination on 14th April, was suspected to be suffering from smallpox on 22nd April and this was confirmed on 26th April. The present condition of all three patients is satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the many large houses which in Scotland are temporarily or permanently left empty and unused; and if he will take steps to empower local authorities to use them to make good the present housing shortage and the anticipated greater shortage which will result from the operation of the Rent Act, 1957.

Local authorities already have adequate powers to acquire property for purposes of their housing functions. I do not accept the implications of the last part of the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the damage to the Scottish fishing industry which will be caused by reduction of the three-mile limit; and if he will state what steps he is taking in this matter to protect that industry.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Member on 29th April.