HC Deb 24 March 1919 vol 114 cc70-1W
Mr. SWAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that R. M. Fox, a conscientious objector who has been in prison or detention ever since October, 1916, has been forcibly fed in Wandsworth civil prison and is in a very weak state of health; whether he is aware that this man is by no means strong and has suffered from tuberculosis, and whether he will order his release on health grounds?

Mr. SHORTT

This man is at present in good health. He refused food for a few days, but has been taking it voluntarily since the 3rd instant. There are no grounds for releasing him.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are now in Winchester Prison; how many of them are on hunger-strike; how many have been forcibly fed since the beginning of February; and how many are in hospital or in the doctor's hands?

Mr. SHORTT

Fifty-five in prison, none on hunger strike; none artificially fed since beginning of February, three are in hospital, and five are under treatment in the prison for minor ailments.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that W. H. Light was released from Winchester Prison on 6th February under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, 1913, and that he was re-arrested and taken to Plymouth Prison on 6th March; whether this man is being forcibly fed; and, if so, what is his present state of health?

Mr. SHORTT

I am informed that since the 13th instant the prisoner has taken his food in the ordinary way.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Home Secretary if he will state how many of the conscientious objectors in Newcastle Prison have been on hunger-strike during any part of the period since 16th February; how many of these have been forcibly fed; how many of those who were forcibly fed have since been temporarily released on health grounds; and how many are now being forcibly fed?

Mr. SHORTT

Twelve have been on hunger-strike since 16th February. Eleven have been forcibly fed, of whom ten have been released temporarily on health grounds. None are being forcibly fed at present.