HC Deb 14 June 1898 vol 59 cc223-4
MR. TENNANT (Berwickshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any reports of the recent deaths from lead poisoning from the certifying surgeon for the district; and, if so, whether he will lay them upon the Table?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

As the honour- able Member is no doubt aware, the certifying surgeon has to report on all cases of lead poisoning reported to him, and not only in oases of death from this cause. His reports go to the superintendent inspector, in this case, at Birmingham. I have not yet received information to enable me to answer further at the present time.

MR. WOODALL (Hanley)

Will the right honourable Gentleman consider the propriety of presenting reports of all cases which are reported to him at the Home Office?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

That is exactly the point of my answer. When I receive these reports I shall be in a position to judge how far I can do so.

MR. WOODALL

The Question has reference to recent deaths. My Question goes to the extent of including all cases of ailments created in this way.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

The certifying surgeon is bound to report on all cases, and I will endeavour to see when I get the reports what information I can give to the House.