§ MR. WILES (Islington, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Ernest Taylor, who, while employed as an assistant warder at His Majesty's Prison, Wandsworth, on 10th May, 1904, was during the performance of his duties struck on the head by a prisoner with a sledge-hammer, causing depressed fracture of the skull and completely incapacitating him for twelve months; and, seeing that Taylor is still out of employment owing to this assault, and that no payment whatever has since been made to him, will he recommend that some compensation shall be paid him, as the injury was inflicted during the execution of his duty.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.This case has been repeatedly considered by the late Home Secretary and myself, and we have found ourselves unable to accept the view of the facts set out in the Question. The evidence does not support the contention that Taylor's present condition is due to any injury inflicted on him while on duty in Wandsworth Prison, and I much regret that no compensation can be offered him from public funds.