§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If the Local Government Board's attention has been called to the misconduct and neglect of duty of Dr. Croker, dispensary medical officer of the Ballymacarrett Division of the Belfast Union, in refusing to visit a poor woman named Garland, at 7, Skipton Street, Ballymacarrett, who was dangerously ill in labour on the 5th ultimo, although a red line was issued by the relieving officer of the district, and personally served on Croker by the woman's husband; 1034 did Croker inform Garland that he would not go himself, but would send the official midwife, although Garland told him that he had already secured the services of a midwife, who had declared that surgical aid was indispensable, as the case was most difficult and dangerous; and that, notwithstanding this information, Croker still refused to visit the poor woman; is it true that afterwards a neighbouring surgeon (Dr. Gibson), out of sympathy for Garland in his distress, attended Mrs. Garland, and found that his services were most urgently needed; did Garland, on the 20th ultimo, make a complaint to the Guardians of Croker's conduct; was any inquiry made into the allegations; and, if so, what was the result; how often has Croker been charged with similar neglect of duty; and, will any steps be taken to prevent a repetition of such conduct towards the suffering and destitute poor in this district?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)A complaint was made regarding the nonattendance of Dr. Croker on the occasion referred to, and the matter is at present under inquiry by the Dispensary Committee of the Board of Guardians in question. The Local Government Board will see that it is fully investigated.