§ 16. Mr. LAWSONasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that J. Ramsay, a driller, was killed by a fall of stone in Ravensworth Colliery on 6th June; that the body was removed to the home 1877 of the deceased man in Gateshead, but almost immediately the police arrived and ordered the removal of the body to the mortuary at Birtley, some miles away, where it was kept until the inquest was held on 8th June; whether he is aware that the widow and family of the deceased were caused to suffer unnecessarily by the removal of the body; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of such action in similar cases?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis matter has not previously come to my notice. I am making inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these facts are very well known in the North of England; and, if he finds the facts to be as stated, will he take steps to see that there is no repetition of a matter of this kind?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll I can say is that I have to know the facts before I can come to any conclusion.
§ Mr. LAWSONIf it be true that the body of a man who was killed in a pit was taken to his home, and was then ordered by the police to be taken to a place some miles away, remaining there for two days and only being brought home, a few hours before the funeral, will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no repetition of such an occurrence?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI can express no opinion unless I know the facts.