§ MR. J. KELLY (Camberwell, N.)for Mr. GODSON (Kidderminster): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has considered the case of Benjamin Crumpton, formerly a prisoner for debt in Worcester Prison, who met with a serious accident there, owing to the want of repair of a portion of the building; whether he is aware that, though the accident happened some time ago, he is still incapacitated from following any employment, and has been put to great expense and has been caused great pain by the same; and, whether he would award him some compensation?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS, Birmingham, E.)I have considered this case and I find that Benjamin Crumpton, a prisoner for debt in Worcester Gaol, sustained certain injuries by falling downstairs owing to the giving way of a handrail against which he was leaning. No charge has been made against the Officers of the Gaol in relation to the accident, and I am now making inquiry in order to ascertain whether any blame is attachable to the Prison Officials in connection with this incident.