Mr. TALBOTasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the recent death of a patient in the infirmary of the Hemel Hempstead Union, which formed the subject of an inquiry before the coroner; whether he proposes to take any action with regard to the management of that workhouse, especially as regards the treatment of the sick poor; and whether he can hold out any expectation of the issue of a general order to ensure the appointment of trained nurses in all workhouse infirmaries?
§ Mr. BURNSMy attention has been called to the case referred to. I deeply regret the occurrence, and I have fully informed myself with regard to the circumstances connected with it. I am giving consideration to the management of the sick wards of the workhouse in question, and I am in communication with the guardians on the subject. With regard to the last part of the question, I may point out that, under the Orders at present in force, provision is made for the appointment of one or more nurses of experience in every workhouse.