§ 69. Mr. Gunterasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to a recent explosion in the operating theatre of the Southend General Hospital, caused by a defective anaesthetic machine, causing the death of a patient; and what steps are taken to ensure that such machinery is in perfect order before an operation is commenced.
§ Mr. BevanYes. I am inquiring fully into this accident, which I deeply regret, but am unable at present to suggest its cause. Anaesthetic machines are subject to regular technical inspection.