HC Deb 31 March 1892 vol 3 cc341-2
MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether John Daly, who is under sentence of penal servitude for life at Portland Prison, has been suffering for many months from a painful and wasting complaint; whether the medical treatment to which he has been subjected has failed to afford him any relief; whether he has applied, by letter, to the Home Office praying that he may be permitted to receive a visit from an independent medical man; whether he has asked his friends and relatives to endeavour to obtain such a visit for him; and whether, considering the long duration of his illness, his request will now be granted?

MR. MATTHEWS

I am informed by the medical officer of Portland Prison that Daly has not suffered, and is not now suffering, from any wasting or painful complaint; and that medical treatment has invariably afforded him relief from minor ailments which from time to time have induced him to make application for medical aid. His present health is good, and he has gained in weight while at Portland. Daly has not within the last two years made any application to the Department to see an independent medical man. The Governor informs me that Daly has during his imprisonment asked his friends to obtain such a visit for him. He was visited by an independent medical man in March, 1887, and again in March, 1890. There appears to be no grounds at the present time for allowing a special medical visit.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

In reference to the last question, may I ask the Home Secretary whether he was not suffering from an entirely different complaint when he was specially visited by a special doctor on two former occasions; and whether, in consequence of the fact that this man had been poisoned by the medical treatment of the prison, this is not a case for exceptional treatment, and in which the request made by the relatives might be granted?

MR. MATTHEWS

I have already told the hon. Member that there has been no complaint. If the hon. Member refers to the administration of belladona, the effects of that were extremely temporary, and have entirely gone away.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider such a request if it is addressed to him?

MR. MATTHEWS

If there are any grounds for the request I will take it into consideration.