§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the medical officer of health for Inverness in Ins report for the year 1897, in calling attention to the numerous uncertified deaths, states that in the case of six parishes in which the entire number of deaths during the year amounted to 367, as many as 225 of that number were uncertified by a medical practitioner; and will he say whether the Government proposes to take any steps in the matter?
MR. GRAHAM MURRAYI am informed by the Local Government Board that they have observed the statement of the medical officer of health for Inverness-shire as to the excessive number of uncertified deaths in certain parishes. The question has, I understand, been frequently brought under the notice of the Board, but it is difficult to suggest a practical remedy. As the honourable Member is no doubt aware, the general question of death certification was fully reported upon by a Select Committee of this House in 1893.