§ MR. RATHBONEasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to an inquest held by Dr. Hardwicke, on the 27th of June, at Clerkenwell, on the body of a child, found dead in Farringdon Road Workhouse, who had been placed under the care of a deaf pauper nurse; and, if he can take steps to prevent paupers being placed in situations of trust and responsibility where want of skill or care must frequently result in permanent injury or death?
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTHSir, my attention has been drawn to this case, and application was made by my directions to the Coroner several days ago for the depositions, which I only received this morning. I have also caused one of the Inspectors of the Metropolis to make inquiry into the matter. It is true that this child was placed, with some others, in a ward which was left at night in charge of a pauper nurse who is rather deaf, although during the day the ward is in charge of a paid and responsible nurse. It is obvious that this was an improper proceeding, and steps will be taken to prevent its recurrence. Constant efforts 1173 are being made by me to insure that all offices of trust and responsibility in workhouses shall be filled up by paid officers and assistants, and in the new infirmaries I have succeeded in abolishing pauper help almost entirely.