§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the death of Charles Joseph Smart in the Middlesex County Asylum; and, if so, will he state whether this man was just before his death placed in a strait-jacket without the doctor's orders, and whether inquiries will be made into the whole matter.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. WALTER LONG,) Bristol, S.My attention has been drawn to this case and I am in communication with the guardians of the Brentford Union on the subject. It appears that the man was removed to the workhouse on the 27th of last month as an alleged lunatic, and that on the 30th he was taken to the asylum, where he died on the following day. The medical officer of the workhouse states that on arrival at the workhouse the man was extremely violent, and the assistant medical officer deemed it advisable to order that a restraint jacket should be used. The medical officer saw the patient early next day and kept him under constant observation until his removal to the asylum. It was by the express direction of the medical officer that the patient was removed in the restraint jacket. I understand that the case will come before the guardians at their next meeting. Meanwhile I have applied to the coroner for a copy of the depositions taken at the inquest, and on the receipt of this I will consider whether it is necessary for me to take any further action in the matter.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDDo I understand that this man was put into a strait-waistcoat by the express order of the medical officer?
§ MR. WALTER LONGYes.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDThat was contradicted at the inquest.
§ MR. WALTER LONGI propose to ask for a copy of the evidence as I have already stated.