§ 44. Mr. PICKERINGasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Reuben Gilbert, an inmate of the Leicester Poor Law Institution, who died as the result of slipping on the polished floor, and to the fact that, although there had been several other fatalities previously from the same cause, the floors of the institu- 1147 tion are still polished, in compliance with the orders of the Ministry of Health; and whether, in view of these facts, he will inquire into the matter generally and do all that is possible to remove such a danger, especially to the aged and infirm inmates?
Sir H. YOUNGThis inmate was an old man, unable to get about by himself, and was at the time of the accident being assisted by an officer. The inmate did not, as I understand, blame the officer or make any complaint to the authority of the state of the floor, and it is questionable whether the accident was due to that cause. On the general question, I have not made any order on the subject, but I am advised that polished floors have advantages, on medical grounds. A dangerously high polish should obviously be avoided and I am instructing my inspectors to bring this point as occasion offers to the notice of local authorities.