§ 50. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Health whether, before issuing as a Command Paper the Report of the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians, he gave the ex-guardians any opportunity to make any comment on the statements contained therein?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir.
§ Sir K. WOODThat is an entirely different subject. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question on the Order Paper.
Mr. BECKETTCould the hon. Gentleman say whether, when the new guardians first took over the work, the ex-guardians asked for a public inquiry at which all sides could be heard?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is also another subject, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Paper.
§ 51. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Health if he has made any inquiry as to the publishing by certain newspapers of the Report of the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians before the Command Paper was published; and what is the result of his inquiries?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes the hon. Gentleman not realise that there is very grave public concern at the way this information came out, and does he not think it the duty of his Department to make some inquiry?
§ Sir K. WOODI think there is greater concern with the contents of the Report.
Mr. BECKETTIs the public concern with the contents of the Report due to feeling aroused by the action of the Ministry of Health?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, my right hon. Friend definitely stated in connection with this matter that he had no knowledge of the publication, and the concern arose out of the contents of the Report.
Mr. BECKETTIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to give us the same undertaking that he had no knowledge?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, certainly.