§ MR. W. M'ARTHUR (Cornwall, Mid, St. Austell)I wish to ask the Chief Secretary whether ha has noticed in this morning's papers a letter from the hon. Member for Camborne directly controverting a statement made by the right hon. Gentleman in the Debate on Friday last—namely, that the hon. Member had refused the attention of the prison doctor, and that he was cured of the illness from which he had been suffering? I have received direct information that my hon. Friend has been receiving the attention of the prison doctor for three weeks, and is very grateful, I believe, to the doctor, and that the doctor has certified so late as yesterday that my hon. Friend is still suffering from the illness which has been brought to the notice of the House. In these circumstances, I would make one more appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to release my hon. Friend.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURMy attention has not been called to this letter. The statement to which I think the hon. Member refers must be one to the effect that the hon. Member for Camborne declined to be treated in hospital for the lumbago from which he was suffering. It did not relate to the other malady to which the hon. Gentleman referred. I understand from the Report which I have seen to-day that practically that particular affection was cured; and I may say that the hon. Member for Camborne has expressed great reluctance to be removed from Derry Gaol, where he states that he is well treated by the officials, and where he likes the cell in which he is confined. In these circumstances, I do not think it would be proper for the Government to insist upon the hon. Member's removal.
§ MR. W. M'ARTHURFrom whom has the right hon. Gentleman obtained his information? Does the statement 606 he has made come from the Prisons Board or from the Prison Authorities?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI must distinguish between the various statements which I have made. The statement that the hon. Member for Camborne has declined to be treated in the hospital for lumbago comes, I have no doubt, from the Prison Authorities. The statement that the hon. Member is anxious not to be removed from Derry Gaol comes from Dr. O'Farrell, who has just visited him.