§ MAJOR COATES (Lewisham)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that on 17th November last an assistant superintendent of the cable room, Central Telegraph Office, visited the official medical officer in consequence of illness whilst on duty; that he was suffering from peritonitis, and was sent home to Catford without assistance; and 1297 whether, seeing that his condition was such that the railway officials at Cannon Street Station and a stranger found it necessary to convey him to his residence, where he died a few hours later, he will say whether inquiry will be made into the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I have inquired into this matter. I find that the officer in question resumed duty on 15th November on the advice of his own medical attendant, after a month's illness. On 17th November, while on duty, he consulted one of the medical officers to the Post Office, who prescribed for him, but, as he showed no symptoms of serious illness, he was allowed, at his own desire, to resume duty. Shortly afterwards, as he still felt unwell, he was allowed to leave before the termination of his duty, but there was nothing in his condition or appearance to indicate the need for an escort home. If there had been, an escort would have been provided in accordance with the usual practice. His death occurred two days afterwards, on 19th November. I am satisfied that he received all needful attention and consideration from the medical officer and other officials. I must express my great regret that, without any adequate inquiry into the matter, the informant of the hon. Member should have brought such a serious and wholly unfounded charge against the humanity of the officers in question.