§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College), asked the Secretary for Scotland, Whether it is true, as stated in the pub- 1211 lished Reports of the inquiry into the death of Robert Hume, an untried prisoner in Calton Gaol, Edinburgh, on the 2nd instant, that the prisoner in question, described as maniacal, confined on a charge of shooting, and at times requiring four men to hold him, was locked up for 48 hours in a cell with two other prisoners; whether, on the first night of his confinement, he was discovered "very violent" and "on top of the other prisoners;" whether, on the second evening, he was again found "very violent," and having torn the clothing off one of the other prisoners; whether, on the second night, he became "extremely violent," "shouting and bawling" from 12 till 4 in the morning, when he fell asleep, and that three hours later, his appearance having alarmed his fellow prisoners, he was discovered to be dead; whether there is an infirmary attached to the Calton Gaol; and, if so, why Hume was not sent there; whether the men shut up with Hume were untried prisoners; and, whether it is in accordance with the Prison Rules to expose prisoners to the dangers and annoyance incidental to confinement with violent and maniacal persons?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I am inquiring into this matter, and have I received a certain amount of information about it, but not enough to enable me to give the hon. Gentleman the information he desires. If he will put the Question down for another day, I will endeavour then to answer it.
§ DR. CAMERONsaid he would repeat the Question on Tuesday.