§ 18. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case in which an anæsthetist in a London hospital gave a patient at an operation gas from the wrong cylinder which caused the death of the patient from asphyxia; and, in view of the similarity of cylinders containing different gases used at operations, will he consider the introduction of legislation compelling the makers of 530 these gas cylinders to have them marked more distinctively, and with a fitting of an entirely different tap?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no similar accident has been reported, and the case appears to be too exceptional to call for legislation.
§ Colonel DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of the coroner's remarks in this case?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes.
§ Colonel DAYWill he not take note of the recommendations?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe idea that it is necessary to legislate to deal with a case in which only one instance has been reported is perfectly ludicrous.