HC Deb 01 March 1945 vol 408 cc1544-5
26. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Health on what date in 1939 a request was made to his Ministry by the London County Council for an inquiry into allegations regarding the death of a number of young children in St. Charles Hospital, North Kensington, from gastro-enteritis; what action was taken; and on what date was the London County Council given a copy of the report of his officer.

Mr. Willink

The request was made on 11th May, 1939, and my predecessor informed the Council on 6th June that he had directed one of his medical officers to make an investigation. In the course of the investigation certain changes in hospital technique and procedure were discussed with the responsible officers; but in view of the conditions prevailing in London in the autumn of 1940, when the report of the investigation came before my predecessor for consideration, no formal communication was sent to the Council.

Captain Duncan

Will my right hon. and learned Friend give a copy of the report to the County Council now?

Mr. Willink

No, Sir, not a copy of the report, but I am, at the request of the London County Council, sending them a statement on the result of this investigation. I shall be happy to send the same information to the Kensington Borough Council and to my hon. and gallant Friend if he so wishes.