§ SIR C. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department will he explain why, in spite of the statement as to the wisdom of inquests in plumbism cases in the potteries, no inquest has been ordered in the case of David Smith of Hanley, formerly a placer and latterly a dipper, who died on 10th April from plumbism?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENTThe case referred to is one of two cases in which the coroner for Hanley did not hold an inquest, on the ground that inquiries had been made by the Home Office into the subject of lead-poisoning generally. The answer which was given to the right honourable Baronet on Thursday dealt with the other case; and since then I have, as promised, informed the Coroner that I think it desirable that, as a general rule, an inquest should be held in cases where death is known or suspected to have been caused by lead-poisoning. But, of course, I have no power to order an inquest in any particular case.