§ 12. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at the inquest on the late Mr. Meggs, employed at the Government disinfecting station at Love Lane, Liverpool, it was recorded that during his employment hæmorrhage of the nose started at 4.30 p.m., when the director in charge of the station rendered first aid but did not call in any medical assistance; and will he state why medical aid was not sought 1689 when it was apparent that the deceased was bleeding profusely and gradually becoming weaker?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs the question is not of national importance, and the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The director of the station reports that on the day in question, Mr. Meggs left the works at 4.30 p.m., which is the usual closing hour, but had proceeded only a short distance when severe bleeding of the nose commenced. Mr. Meggs then returned to the works, where he was attended by the assistant director and the works engineer, who did what they could to stop the bleeding. The director was not called to see Mr. Meggs till about 6 p.m. The question of calling in a doctor was considered, but Mr. Meggs himself was against this, and as he showed no signs of weakness and the bleeding was becoming considerably less severe, it was not thought necessary. About 6.15 the bleeding had practically stopped, and Mr. Meggs was then sent home in a cab in the charge of the works engineer. I see no ground for any criticism of the action of the director and other officers concerned, who did everything in their power to help Mr. Meggs.