HC Deb 07 June 1932 vol 266 cc1764-5
21. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Miss Dunnett, 44, Cook Street, Glasgow, was on the 25th February visited by a sick visitor, and as a result was called to a medical board on 4th March to be examined by the regional medical officer of the Department of Health; that the girl attended although very ill; that her sickness benefit was stopped on 1st March, and that she was taken ill at the board and sent home by taximeter cab, and subsequently died on 13th March; and if he will cause full inquiry to be made into all the circumstances?

The UNDERSECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)

According to a report which I have received about this case, Miss Dunnett, who was suffering from rheumatism, was seen by her insurance doctor on the 1st March, when he considered that her condition was such as to justify his certifying her as fit to attend for examination by a medical officer of the Department of Health for Scotland on the 4th March. Between these dates, however, unknown to her doctor, she developed influenzal bronchial pneumonia, and on her arrival at the regional medical office of the Department for examination, her condition was observed and she was immediately sent home in a taxicab. I am sorry to say that Miss Dunnett died nine days later. It is a matter for regret that she was allowed to leave home on the 4th March, but I am satisfied that no responsibility for this can reasonably be attributed either to the insurance doctor or to the arrangements for the examination of insured persons under the regional medical service. I may add that the approved society have informed me that sickness benefit was paid to Miss Dunnett until the 12th March.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the Under-Secretary aware that sickness benefit was only paid subsequent to the death, and has been stopped, and that this girl was afraid to refuse to go to the medical board after being visited by the sick visitor, and that the panel doctor was afraid that he would be censured if she did not attend?

Mr. SKELTON

As to the payment of sick benefit, my information is the opposite of that of the hon. Member. In regard to the other allegations, I have absolutely no foundation for any of them.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first possible opportunity on the Adjournment.