§ MR. PIKE PEASE (Darlington)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the reason why Mr. Joseph Fox, of 18, Eldon Street, Darlington, who was recently confined in Durham Gaol for not having sent his children to school, was compelled to have his hair cut in spite of his protestations; and whether he would be willing to consider the question of giving him some compensation if the action of the gaol official was contrary to regulations.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) This prisoner's hair was cut by the ward officer as it was exceptionally long and hung to his shoulders. He made no objection at the time, but, on the contrary, asked to have his beard trimmed as well. Had he made any objection his hair would not have been cut except on a certificate from the medical officer of the prison that such cutting was necessary for the sake of health and cleanliness. As the prisoner's hair was cut for his own comfort and with his own consent, there can be no question of paying compensation to him.