HC Deb 02 June 1913 vol 53 cc571-2
34. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked for what reason Edward Buckton Cargill, who was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment last February for serious offences against girls, has been released from prison; if he has been temporarily released under the Prisoners Temporary Release Act; and, if he has been released on grounds of ill-health, will he say who certified that it was necessary that he should be removed from prison?

Mr. McKENNA

This prisoner was released on medical grounds. His condition was critical. In advising his release, I acted on the report of the medical officer of the prison and of a consultant called in by the Prison Commissioners at my request. His condition not being due wholly or in part to his own conduct in prison, the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Act did not apply.

Mr. SNOWDEN

That is to say the un-served part of the sentence has been abandoned altogether, or will he be called upon to serve it at any future time?

Mr. McKENNA

The course taken in this case is precisely the same as that in all similar cases. It was reported to me that the prisoner's condition was critical and that he was in imminent danger of death, and that in no circumstances could he live long, and following the ordinary practice in this case, as in other cases in similar circumstances, the prisoner was released.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what portion of the sentence was served, and has he any statement as to whether the prisoner is now restored to health?

Mr. McKENNA

I said the prisoner was suffering from a mortal disease. Ten weeks of the sentence of nine months was, I think, served.