HC Deb 31 July 1913 vol 56 c726
53. Viscount WOLMER

asked the Home Secretary how many patients were forcibly fed in lunatic asylums during 1912; and what was the maximum number of times that any one patient was forcibly fed?

Mr. MIKENNA

I have not this information. To obtain it would necessitate addressing inquiries to all asylums.

Viscount WOLMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that forcible feeding of lunatics is quite as dangerous as it is to prisoners, and does he not think that it is a matter which should receive the attention of the Home Office?

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the fact that until suffragettes were forcibly fed nobody suggested that forcible feeding was not a humane method?

Mr. MIKENNA

Yes, my hon. Friend is quite right.