HC Deb 04 July 1898 vol 60 cc946-7
MR. TENNANT (Berwickshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the death of Thomas Sargeant, aged 15, from "gassing" by benzol, in the Whitwood Chemical Works, at Normanton, about a fortnight ago, and to the circumstances attending the inquest; whether there were no regulations controlling the manufacture or use of benzol; and, if so, whether the desirability of instituting some regulations will be considered; and whether, seeing that the coroner has upon previous occasions dismissed applications for inquiry into matters having the gravest re[...] any action can be taken on his refusal to institute a medical examination into so serious a misadventure?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

Yes, a Report has been received from the inspector who was present at the adjourned inquest. The case is still under inquiry, and I am hardly in a position at present to say what steps it may be necessary to take. As regards the action of the coroner, without wishing in any way to prejudge the matter, I must say that it appears to me much, to be regretted that no post mortem examination took place, and that no medical evidence was before the jury.