HC Deb 30 April 1914 vol 61 cc1859-60
60. Mr. THOMAS RICHARDSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board, with reference to the case of Pasture Farm, Stainbeck Lane, Leeds, whether he is aware that the sanitary committee of the Leeds City Council have proposed to offer the tenant, Mr. Simpson, the sum of £100 as a solatium for the less of his wife by typhoid fever; whether he is aware that the sanitary authority for a period of sixteen mouths neglected to take action; that Mr. Simpson denies that he asked for delay in the issuing of an order; and that the town clerk has admitted that the duties of the sanitary authority were not properly carried out; and whether, in view of all the facts, he will have strict inquiry made into the matter?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I received a letter from Mr. Simpson in which he stated that he had offered to accept £300 from the Leeds Town Council as a solatium for his loss, and that the town council had offered him £100. The facts as to the action taken by the sanitary authority were given in the reply to my hon. Friend's question of 22nd April. The statements of Mr. Simpson and of the local officials conflict with regard to the reason for delay in the issue of the notices. With respect to the inquiry asked for, I cannot add anything to the last paragraph of the reply to the previous question.