HC Deb 10 August 1904 vol 140 cc20-1
MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now convey to the House the full report (including that of the medical officer) of the authorities concerned in the case of the women Hudson and Pratt whilst under remand in Holloway Prison.

* THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

The Rule applicable to cases of this nature is as follows:—"A prisoner awaiting trial shall not be compelled to have his hair cut except on account of vermin or dirt, or when the medical officer deems it necessary on the ground of health and cleanliness, and the hair of the prisoner shall not be cut closer than may be necessary for the purpose of health and cleanliness." I have called for special reports on the particular case and find that the deputy medical officer saw the women on their reception, and had his attention called by the reception warders to the state of their hair. He found that the hair contained vermin and their ova, and decided that it could only be satisfactorily treated by cutting. He therefore ordered them to be put for the night in isolation cells provided for such cases, and gave written directions that their hair should be cut. This was done next day by a hospital warder. It appears to me that the action of the prison officials in this case was correct. I would only add that I am decidedly of opinion that remand prisoners should not be subjected to any treatment likely to be taken as a special indignity which is not strictly called for by the circumstances of the case; and I will take care that, as in this instance, the medical officer's authority shall always be obtained before such prisoners are required to have their hair cut.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the hair of these women was cut after the medical officer had seen it? because my information is absolutely contrary to that.

* MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I have made careful inquiry on that point, and I am told this was not done at the instigation of the warders, but after the medical officer had seen the women and satisfied himself of the necessity of the course.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether these two women were told, when they took their bath, not to wash their heads?

* MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

From the evidence I have offered, I do not think washing would have been a sufficient remedy.