HC Deb 05 May 1960 vol 622 cc1238-9
7. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will urge upon the Hong Kong Government the need to hold a public inquiry into all the circumstances surrounding the death of a Chinese woman, Ng Sam Mui on 23rd January last, after she had been knocked down by a tram-car, particularly since the jury at the coroner's inquest criticised the action taken in the casualty department of the Queen Mary Hospital.

Mr. Iain Macleod

No, Sir. In view of the official investigations already made into the circumstances of this case, there seems to be no occasion for a further inquiry.

Mr. Rankin

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it rather remarkable that this woman, who was supposed to have been competently examined physically, returned six hours later to the hospital and died within forty-eight hours, when it was certified that she was suffering from multiple fractures of the ribs, laceration of the brain and general injuries? Does it seem as if the original examination was competent? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this has caused much comment? Will he think again about making closer inquiries?

Mr. Macleod

It is precisely those matters which were the subject of the departmental investigation. The result of that was made public and the question of whether the delay in her admission had any effect upon her chances of survival is essentially a matter for professional judgment and opinion. I do not see how a further inquiry could add to our knowledge.

Mr. Rankin

Surely the right hon. Gentleman has been misinformed? The admission of the person concerned was not delayed. She was taken immediately after the accident to the Queen Mary Hospital, dismissed after what was called a sufficient physical examination, and readmitted six hours later.

Mr. Macleod

That, of course, is true. I have telescoped two events into one. I was talking about the question of her second admission for treatment. The departmental investigation concluded that there was no medical evidence to support the suggestion which the hon. Member is making.