§ Mr. THORNEasked the Postmaster-General whether he has any information to give to the House in connection with the death of a Post Office employé from anthrax; whether the 1124 cause of death was attributable to his employment; what compensation will be paid to his dependants; and whether he has any record of similar cases in his Department?
§ Sir E. BENNETTI much regret to say that a sorter was taken ill and died while on holiday. At the inquest the Coroner found that death was due to anthrax but that there was no evidence as to how the deceased had become infected. The deceased's duties did not bring him into contact with any likely source of anthrax, and there would seem no good reason to attribute his death to his employment. A claim for compensation on behalf of his dependants has been received, but on present in formation there does not appear to be ground for payment of compensation. A gratuity will be payable under the Superannuation Acts. There is no record of a similar ease in the Post Office.
§ Mr. THORNEI take it for granted that the man in question was on duty at the time, and, that being so, surely there is a moral obligation on the Post Office?
§ Sir E. BENNETTHe was on holiday.
§ . Mr. THORNEHe was in your employ at the time.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIn view of the fact that a similar case of death from anthrax occurred at Hull—the man was not in the employment of the Post Office—And they could not find the source of the infection, will the hon. Gentleman he good enough to get into touch with the Home Office with a view to tightening up the restrictions upon foreign goat hair?
§ Sir E. BENNETTThat is a rather big order for me; but I can assure both the hon. Members who have taken an interest in this sad case that it is by no means closed.