§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, NX.)On behalf of the hon. Member for North Leitrim (Mr. PATRICK M'HUGH), I beg-to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Banbridge and Rathdrum Boards of Guardians have passed Resolutions calling on the Local Government Board of Ireland to institute an inquiry into the merits of the treatment of rabies by Mr. M'Govern, of Cavan; and, will he, as official head of the Local Government Board, and in view of the importance attached to this matter in Ireland, advise the Board to grant the inquiry asked for?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralCopies of the Resolution referred to have been received. In the year 1888 the Local Government Board were pressed to grant an inquiry similar to the one now asked for, and the Board stated that if Mr. M'Govern was willing to submit to the Medical Inspectors of Board the particulars of his alleged cure, together with a recipe of the medicine or preparation given to his patients the Board would direct such inquiry to be held. In reply, the Board were informed that the M'Governs could not disclose their remedy, which they declared they were bound to hold from father to son in their family. The Board then pointed out that no advantage could, under the circumstances, be obtained by holding such inquiry. It is obviously impossible for the Local Government Board for Ireland in any way to recognise the pre- 158 tensions of persons who have no professional knowledge, but lay claim to the exclusive possession of medical secrets, and are unwilling to submit their methods of treatment to the examination of competent judges.