§ 20. Lord John Hopeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now order an inquiry into the complaint by Miss Elizabeth Jessop of negligence against the medical authorities, particulars of which case have already been sent to him.
Mr. McNeilThe local executive council's medical services committee decided that the complaint by Miss Jessop could not be further considered under the relative regulations. I have no power to overturn such a decision.
§ Lord John HopeIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware—I am sure he is, because I told him the whole story—that this lady, after a bad motor smash, had only her skull X-rayed? If they had X-rayed her neck many months of subsequent pain and ill-health would have been spared her. It was only when that had been discovered that she made this complaint, and does not he think that on prima facie grounds this case ought to be looked into?
Mr. McNeilI have looked into it, and I am indebted to the hon. Gentleman. I agree that the lady in question suffered greatly. I am also aware that a whole range of experts on the subject missed this particular piece of diagnosis. But I cannot set aside the regulations, nor do I think that the hon. Gentleman would ask me to do so on reflection.
§ Lord John HopeHas the right hon. Gentleman no power at all over these people? What happens about a case of 16 suppression? Has he no ultimate jurisdiction to order an inquiry into it?
Mr. McNeilCertain remedies are available to the patient, but the question of suppression is quite a different matter from the action I am being asked to take here, which is to overturn a decision.