§ MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the case of George Dodd, a pauper, in the parish of Wilsford in the Sleaford Union; whether it is a fact that, on June 11, 1888, the relieving officer refused relief to George Dodd, although the medical officer had, two days previously, or- 1387 dered him nourishing diet, he being seriously ill; and, whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the case; also, whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the circumstances attending the death of William Dodd, a pauper in the parish of Wilsford, in the Sleaford Union, on May 11, 1888; and, whether there is any reason to believe that William Dodd's death was accelerated by want of proper attention on the part of the Guardians, medical officer of the district, or relieving officer; and, if so, whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the matter?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. LONG) (Wilts, Devizes)Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to reply to his two Questions. The attention of the Local Government Board had not been drawn to the cases of these persons prior to the Notice of the Questions; but it is evident that they are cases in which an inquiry should be held by an Inspector of the Board, and the Board have directed an inquiry accordingly.