§ MR. DAVITT (Mayo, S.)I beg to ask, the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a declaration from Mr. and Mrs. Raynor, of Alfreton, stating that neither of them gave permission to the doctor who 1115 performed the post-mortem, examination on one John Leonard, of county Galway, who died in the house of the Raynors, and whose death was certified in the proper manner at the time; and whether, as the conduct of this doctor has given much pain to the relatives of the deceased, steps will be taken to prevent a repetition of this kind of conduct on the part of young medical practitioners acting without authority, either from the coroner or the friends or relatives of persons dying under similar circumstances.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENTI have received a declaration to the effect mentioned. I can only repeat that I was satisfied after inquiry that the examination was made for a legitimate object, and with all care and reverence by the doctor, who had reason for believing that the course taken was assented to by the only available friends of the deceased. I do not think that such a case is likely to recur, or that any steps are called for on my part.
§ MR. DAVITTMay I ask the right, honourable Gentleman whether it is not a fact that the very persons alleged to have given sanction for this examination deny emphatically that they gave any?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENTI understand that there is a conflict of evidence on the subject, but as regards the action of the doctor, I have already stated in answer to a question of the honourable Member I think he had good reason for believing that the requisite assent had been given. The examination was made with a proper object. I do not think there is anything more to be said.