§ 27. Mr. TURTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the coroner's inquest, on 7th August, on Wilfred Armstrong Rhodes, at Asenby, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, and to the fact that during the interval of three days between the recovery of the body and the holding of the inquest the body was laid in a shed; and whether he will take steps to secure that all proper provision is made for the housing of the body during such interval, so as to prevent distress to the relatives and the neighbourhood?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)My attention had not been called to this case, but I have made inquiry and I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. I understand that no other accommodation in the nature of a mortuary was available, and the Minister informs me that the circumstances are such that he does not feel justified in pressing the local authority to provide a public mortuary.
§ Mr. TURTONWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the inquest takes place as soon after the death as possible and not after a delay of three days, and also see whether it is possible that the body shall be housed in a more suitable place than a garage?
§ Sir H. SAMUELI will bear in mind the hon. Member's suggestion.