§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mrs. Hilda Mitchell, of 7, Vernon Gardens, Harrow-gate Hill, Darlington, was recently prosecuted for failing to call in a doctor during the fatal illness of her five-year-old boy; why, as the child had previously been treated by a herbalist, the local registrar refused to accept the herbalist's statement as to the cause of death; and whether, in view of the fact that the great majority of the 3,000 children who die in this country every year from diphtheria have been treated with anti-toxin by a registered medical practitioner, he will take steps to stop prosecutions of this kind and to amend the law relating to the certification of death?
§ Mr. BernaysI am aware of the facts stated in the question. The Registrar of Births and Deaths reported the death to the coroner in accordance with the regulations which require him to report any death the cause of which is not certified by a registered medical practitioner in attendance during the last illness. In these circumstances the registrar was required by law to enter in the register the cause of death as certified by the coroner. My right hon. Friend does not propose to take any steps to amend the law relating to the certification of death. Any question as to the institution of legal proceedings should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.