§ Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether ha will now favourably consider the holding of an inquiry into the practice of forcible feeding in prisons and asylums?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf the hon. Member considers that any improvements can be effected in the methods employed in asylums and prisons for administering food to persons who refuse to take food naturally, and will give me his reasons for thinking so, I will consider whether further inquiry in the matter is desirable, but at present I do not know to what end such an inquiry would be directed. The methods now employed are, I believe, those recommended by the highest medical authorities, and I know of no reason for modifying them.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs the Home Secretary aware that quite recently, within the last fortnight, a man who had been forcibly fed subsequently died suddenly, and the cause of death was held to be largely due to the forcible feeding employed? If so, does the right hon. Gentleman not consider the case one for some inquiry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not recognise in any of the cases that have come before me one that answers to the description given by the hon. Gentleman. If he knows of such a case and will give me the facts I will consider it.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEI will send the facts on.