HC Deb 06 May 1897 vol 48 c1613
MR. D. CRILLY

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that at an inquest held yesterday at the Hackney Coroner's Court, on the body of an old woman named Margaret Ross, the evidence showed that the deceased had been an inmate of a City Union Workhouse; that her ape was 77 years, and that she had been found dead on Thursday last beside the washing pail which she had been using in her work; also that the workhouse authorities had been in the habit of compelling this old woman to clean out a large ward containing 12 beds; and whether, if the evidence correctly states the facts, he will hold an inquiry as to the degree of responsibility which attaches to the officials of this workhouse for the death of Margaret Ross?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

The Local Government Board have applied to the Coroner for a copy of the depositions at the inquest, and are making further inquiries in the case. When these are complete, the President will then determine what action, if any, on the part of the Local Government Board is necessary.