§ Sir E. CHATFEILD-CLARKEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it was ascertained by inquest that in 1921 a woman died of starvation in the union of Winchester, in the County of Hants; whether his Department has taken any and, if so, what steps to prevent similar deaths; whether any and, if so, how many deaths in that county in 1922 were found by inquest to have been due to starvation or accelerated by privation; can he supply particulars as to age, sex, date of inquest, and union concerned; whether any and, if so, what Poor Law officers were examined at the inquest; whether any of the persons so dying in either year were tramps or homeless; and whether any and, if so, what casual wards in that union are closed?
§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the case mentioned in the first part of the question. The woman referred to appears to have been a homeless person. As regards the second part of the question, it is the duty of boards of guardians and of their officers to afford immediate relief in any case of sudden or urgent necessity if application is made to them, and I do not see what further steps are open to me. In the year 1922 no deaths in the county were found by inquest to have been due to starvation or exposure. All the casual wards in the county are open.