§ 22. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of two men named Waite and Bishop who were convicted at the Stratford Petty Sessions on the 31st March last of assaulting a constable, and sentenced to three calendar months' hard labour; if Waite, during remand, was kept in the infirmary at Brixton Prison, and on admission to Pentonville Prison after sentence was immediately admitted to the infirmary suffering from heart disease; if he is 1313 aware that Waite alleges that his illness was caused by a previous sentence, and that further imprisonment is likely to have a detrimental effect upon him; if there was any evidence in corroboration of the constable's evidence as to the way in which his alleged injuries were received; and if he will inquire into the circumstances, and consider the desirability of remitting the remainder of the sentences in each case?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention has been drawn to the case. When admitted to Brixton Prison Waite was found to show signs of heart disease and was kept under the charge of the hospital staff, though he was not actually in the hospital. At Pentonville he was admitted on reception to the hospital. I am aware of Waite's allegation, but. I find on inquiry that the heart disease followed an attack of acute rheumatism from which he suffered four years ago. It occurred shortly after his release from prison, but there is nothing to connect it with his imprisonment. I have made inquiry into the facts of the present conviction and I can find no sufficient ground for interference with the sentences. Waite is receiving careful medical attention.