§ 58. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary how many children have been born in prison during the year ending-31st December, 1924; and whether he will consider the provision of extra food and nourishment for expectant and nursing mothers whilst in prison?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIt will take a short time to obtain the information as to the number of births. Inquiry is being made. Extra, or special, diet is provided for all expectant and nursing mothers.
§ Captain GEEFrom the humanitarian point of view, will the hon. Gentleman make provision that these children shall be born elsewhere than in gaol?
§ Captain GEEWill my hon. Friend introduce legislation?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the Poplar women prisoners was permitted to leave prison because of the condition in which she was?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWhen the confinement is going to take place at the end of a sentence, the mother is released.
§ Mr. LANSBURYThere was no sentence here. They were kept sine die.
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThere is no power at present to order a general release in such cases. Legislation is required.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary, during the period the Poplar prisoners were in gaol, allowed one of them to go out for this particular purpose?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put that question down.