§ Sir C. OMANasked the Minister of Health whether he has received any information as to a recent inquest at Sudbury where the doctor who gave evidence in that case stated that it was one of starvation; what were the circumstances; whether the deceased applied for medical or other out-relief; whether any of the officers of the guardians or the guardians were cognisant of the deceased being in need; if so, whether and when the officer or the guardians offered such relief; and, if not, why not?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received a newspaper report of this inquest and a copy of a report made by the relieving officer to the clerk to the Sudbury guardians. The deceased was 76 years of age. She was in receipt of an old age pension of 10s. a week and a weekly parcel of food, value 5s., from a charitable fund. At the date of her death 14s. 2d. in cash and an adequate supply of fuel and food was found in the house. The deceased was a very independent old lady and would not let anybody do anything for her. The jury's verdict was that death was due to heart failure accelerated by the cold weather, following starvation and self-neglect. The deceased had been an inmate of the Sudbury Poor Law institution but was discharged at her own request on 24th April, 1927, and no application for relief had been made by her since that date. As regards the remaining parts of the question, it will be seen from the information given above that the deceased was not lacking in food, fuel or shelter. I concur in the view reported to have been expressed by the coroner at the inquest, that it did not appear that anyone could be called in question for having neglected the deceased.