72. Mr. WHITE HOUSEasked the Home Secretary if he has made any inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Arthur Horton in prison; and, if so, with what result?
§ Sir G. CAVEAn inquest was held in this case, and all the circumstances were fully investigated by the coroner and jury, who found that this man died of pneumonia. Allegations had been made that the prisoner had not been properly treated in prison, but the jury, after having heard the evidence and seen the 2096 diet, found that these allegations were not founded on fact. I can see no reason for any further inquiry.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that after this man caught pneumonia he lay a month in his cell without any nurse and without any fire, which is a sentence of death upon the strongest man; and that it 'was only after the Home Office Inspector, Dr. Dyer, came that nurses were suddenly summoned when it was too late; and will he have inquiries made into the conduct of the prison doctor?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat was the allegation which was made before and at the inquest. It was contradicted by reliable evidence at the inquest, and was disbelieved by the jury. I regret very much that it should be repeated here.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only that, but many other shocking allegations have been made regarding the treatment of this unfortunate man in prison, and has his attention been called to the fact that the doctor who gave evidence and whose evidence had weight., is reported in the "Manchester Guardian" as having made a very great attack in public upon these prisoners who are in gaol?
§ Sir G. CAVEI am not aware of any such facts. I know that many extraordinary allegations have been made, but we must rely upon the verdict of the coroner's jury.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEIs there not a case for special inquiries?