§ 29. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to state if the findings consequent upon the inquiry into the death of Mrs. Taylor, of Manchester, are to be published; and, if so, when?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend has received the report in question. Publication of it would be contrary to the established practice in such cases. He proposes to communicate fully on the matter with the city council of Manchester at whose request he caused the inquiry to be made.
§ Mr. DAVIESIs it not the universal practice to publish the findings in such cases, and, if so, what reason can be given for not disclosing the findings in this case?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe report to the Minister is confidential, but the findings will be communicated to the council, and it will be for them to decide whether publication is necessary.
§ Mr. DAVIESMay I take it that there will be no objection to the city council publishing the findings when they receive them?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThat is a matter that is entirely within their discretion. They asked us to hold a public inquiry.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the hon. Gentleman ask his chief to look into the case again as to the publication of these reports I think that on at least two or three occasions reports made by local government and Ministry of Health Inspectors on the business of Poplar were not only published but were very widely read and commented upon.