§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the Secretary for Scotland, Whether it is true, as stated in the published 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 accord- 1551 ance 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 informed by the Prison Commissioners that Robert Hume was received into Calton Gaol, Edinburgh, about 3.30 p.m. on January 31 last. He was examined by the medical officer of the prison. No symptom of insanity appeared until late on the evening of February 1. He had been associated—i.e., placed in a cell with other prisoners—by the medical officer's orders from the time of his reception, as he appeared to be suffering merely from the effects of drink. He was quiet during the first night of his confinement. About 9.30 p.m. on the second night he was suddenly attacked with acute mania, and assaulted one of the prisoners in association with him, when a canvas restraint jacket was put upon him. He was violent from 12 till 4 a.m. on the second night, and then fell asleep, from which he did not awake. He was under frequent observation by an officer all this time. There is a room in the prison used as an infirmary. Hume was not sent there, as he was not considered a case for it till the attack of mania began; and the medical officer, who was for some time on the staff of a district asylum, did not then think it prudent to remove Hume to the infirmary, as he would have disturbed other patients, one of whom was seriously ill of heart disease. There is no padded cell in the prison; but the building is not yet completed, and the Commissioners propose to provide such a cell. Two of the three prisoners shut up with Hume were untried. The prisoners whom the Board have been able to question say that they had no objection to be left with Hume and were not frightened. One of them had acted as assistant hospital nurse in Perth Prison. Prisoners, as a rule, are placed singly in cells; but are associated when the cells are full, or if it is so ordered by the medical officer.