§ Mr. STOREY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether he has given consideration to information from a responsible source on the state of the public health in Sunderland and Seaham which has been conveyed to him in a communication, and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, Sir. The statements in question, which were contained in a letter, signed by Dr. G. F. Walker of Sunderland, that has appeared in the Press, require investigation. My Noble Friend the President of the Board of Education and I have accordingly jointly instructed qualified officers of the Board of Education and Ministry of Health forthwith to visit this area for that purpose. I have also communicated with the local health authorities concerned.
§ Mr. STOREYWill my right hon. Friend say whether the results of those inquiries will be made public?
Sir H. YOUNGI would rather consider the statement that I get from the officers in the locality before I decide whether it is a question for a formal report or not.
§ Mr. BATEYWill the right hon. Gentleman forward those communications to the right hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)?
Sir H. YOUNGI have already stated that the communication in question is a letter which appeared in the public Press, and no doubt it is known to the right hon. Member.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAre any limitations being put on the inquiries of the two officers who are to be sent down? Will they be asked to interview all people concerned, including the doctor who has written this letter to the Press?
Sir H. YOUNGI have already communicated with the doctor and asked him to put all his information at the disposal of the officers.