§ 31. Mr. Tomneyasked the Minister of Health if he will make an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of John Harvey Kendall, whilst under the care of the London County Council health department.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernard Braine)No, Sir. The London County Council has already made a thorough investigation into this unfortunate case and is satisfied that there was no negligence on the part of the managers or staff of the voluntary home where the death occurred.
§ Mr. TomneyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this boy's death has caused great concern and anguish not only to his parents but to other parents with spastic children? Is he further aware that the death was complicated by the fact that the boy was being fed by a deaf and dumb girl, aged 18, who was not able to give early warning of the difficulties into which the boy was getting? In these circumstances—and this is the sole purpose of the question—will the hon. Gentleman give his aid to seeing that this kind of thing does not happen again?
§ Mr. BraineI see no cause for further inquiry. The matter has been very fully investigated. If the hon. Gentleman has reason to think, however, that the L.C.C. did not carry out a proper investigation, or if he has any new information on the point, perhaps he will let me know and I will look into it.
§ Mr. TomneyIs it the case that, in addition to the deaf and dumb girl feeding the boy, there were five other adults in the room? If that is so, was there not gross negligence by someone?
§ Mr. BraineAll these points were considered by the L.C.C. I repeat that if the hon. Gentleman has any reason to think that the L.C.C. did not carry out a proper investigation and did not take into account all the factors in the case I will certainly consider it.