Mr. POINTERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the circumstances attending the death of Mrs. Keane in the Brompton Hospital, London, on 26th June last, whereby knowledge of her death was kept from her husband for twenty-eight hours; if he is aware that a post mortem was performed without the husband's knowledge and consent; and whether he will order a public inquiry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy attention has been drawn to this case, and I have made inquiry of the hospital authorities. They inform me that Mrs. Keane died early on the morning of 26th June, and a telegram was sent to her husband at Mexborough the same morning; but, the day being Sunday, it was not delivered to him till early on Monday. They have already written to him expressing extreme regret that a post mortem examination was held under the mistaken belief that he had given his consent, it being their rule not to make such examinations without the consent of the relatives. I do not think that any further action is called for on my part.