§ Mr. GERALD FRANCEI beg to ask the Home Secretary a question, of which I have given him private notice: If, in view of recent acts of violence by women and the possibility of a recurrence of hunger strikes in prison, he will consider the immediate necessity of legislation which would empower him to release on licence only, without having recourse to forcible feeding, those who by refusing to take food have reduced themselves to a critical condition of weakness?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have already considered the possibility of such legislation, which might perhaps afford at any rate a partial solution of the problem. As my hon. Friend, however, knows, it could not under any circumstances be proposed at present unless it were manifest that it would meet with acceptance by all parties in the House.
§ Sir W. BYLESIs legislation necessary? Is it not possible to do it through the Home Secretary?
§ Mr. McKENNAA prisoner committed to prison and not to penal servitude cannot be let out on licence.