78. Mr. F. HALLasked how many women suffragists are at the present time doing the hunger strike; and how many of these women are being forcibly fed?
§ Mr. McKENNAFourteen women suffragist prisoners are refusing their food at the present time, and five of these are being forcibly fed.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEI beg to ask the Home Secretary a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether Mrs. Pankhurst is still hunger striking; whether she is being forcibly fed; whether her own medical adviser is allowed to visit her; whether the prison doctor does not now consider that her further detention may be dangerous; and, if so, whether he proposes taking immediate action to secure her release?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have received no notice of this question, but, so far as my memory goes, I think I can answer my hon. Friend. Mrs. Pankhurst is not taking food; she is not being forcibly fed; the medical officer does not advise that she should be released; her own medical officer has not been allowed to see her, and I have nothing to say upon that point.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWith regard to notice, it was sent this morning, and it was delivered at the Home Secretary's room in the House before mid-day.
§ Mr. McKENNAI was at the Home Office this morning until I came down here.