§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health whether seeing that it is part of the duty of the clerk to call the attention of a board of guardians to the illegality of any sentence they propose to pronounce he will say whether the clerk did so in the case of James Wilder and, if not, why not; at what date did the Ministry's officers visit the Easthampstead Infirmary; who they were and what did they report; and what steps, if any, he has taken or will take to prevent guardians pronouncing illegal sentences on inmates of workhouses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt is understood that the clerk at first sight failed to appreciate the exact effect of the relevant regulations. The institution was visited on 4th December by an assistant general inspector. James Wilder was seen on that date and had no complaint to make. I do not see that the case calls for further action in my part.