§ MR. AMBROSE (Middlesex, Harrow)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been directed to the alleged great increase of mortality from cancer in England and Wales; and if he will instruct the Medical Department of the Board to institute an inquiry into the extent and causes of the increase?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)The staff of the Medical Department of the Local Government Board does not exceed that which is required for the duties which specially attach to the Board in connection with their executive action. I do not doubt that an inquiry into the causes of the alleged increase of mortality from cancer in England and Wales would be valuable; but the demands on the Department in connection with other duties would not admit of its undertaking such an inquiry.