§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will cause an independent investigation to be made into the death of Mr. George Thomas of Vansittart Road, London, E.7, in view of the fact that the local inquiry carried out by the hospital authorities has proved unsatisfactory;
- (2) whether he is aware that on 2nd and 31st July the hon. Member for West Ham, North, wrote to him concerning
33 the alleged neglect and maladministration upon the part of the North-East Metropolitan Hospital Board concerning the death of Mr. G. Thomas, and that by 28th September, other than a letter of apology for delay, no action has been taken; when the hon. Member may expect a reply; and whether he will make a statement; - (3) whether he will make a statement explaining why it took him until 28th September, 1972, to reply to the two communications dated 22nd and 31st July and telephone calls from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, regarding the death of Mr. George Thomas; why the enclosures were omitted; and whether he will arrange for an independent investigation into all aspects of this matter.
§ Mr. AlisonThe hon. Member asked for an investigation and a full report was obtained before a detailed reply was sent to him on 28th September. The enclosures were sent to him on the following day.