§ MR. GIBSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 1719 Whether his attention has been called to the recent lamentable death by poisoning of Mr. Hone in Limerick; and, whether he will take steps to have a thorough and satisfactory investigation into the occurrence, so as to discover who is liable for the carelessness which caused it, and to prevent a possible recurrence of similar catastrophes?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI have seen an account of this very sad occurrence. I need not inform the right hon. and learned Gentleman that the law provides for the investigation of such cases in two ways—one by a coroner's inquest, and the other by the magistrates—on any persons being brought before them on a criminal charge. An inquest has been held on Mr. Hone, and the verdict was that death was occasioned by poisoning, carbolic acid having been administered instead of black draught. The jury appended to their verdict an expression of opinion that in all medical establishments poisonous drugs should be kept safely under lock and key. I need not say that that is an opinion in which I fully concur. Although the verdict of the jury did not inculpate any person, the porter of the establishment was not considered free from blame. He was, therefore, arrested and brought before the magistrates, who investigated the case on two days, and finally discharged the prisoner. I have received a Report stating that after having heard the evidence they were of opinion that death was clearly the result of accident. Under these circumstances, though I deeply deplore what happened, I do not see that I could take any further steps in the matter.
§ MR. GIBSONsaid, he was desired to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thought there should not be a more thorough and complete inquiry into the whole matter?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI will make further inquiry into the case.