§ 6. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a conscientious objector named Emanuel Ribers, now of 7b, East Ward, Lord Derby's War Hospital, Win-wick, Warrington, was arrested five weeks ago and handed over to the military; that he went on hunger strike and was seven days without food or drink at Bury barracks; whether he has been forcibly fed at Warrington; and whether, in view of the danger involved in this treatment, he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)This man was handed over to the military authorities by the police on 19th January. On the 20th he was seen by a medical officer and found to be in good health. He was reasoned with and offered food, which he declined. On the 21st he was admitted to hospital in order that he might be better under observation. He continued to refuse food, and was forcibly fed on the evening of the 23rd, as he appeared to be getting weaker. He has been fed twice daily by an expert doctor since. On 27th January he was reported as showing no sign of physical disease. It is not proposed to take any action unless it is reported that his health is seriously affected.
§ Mr. KINGWill the Government consider the advisability of using the "Cat-and-Mouse" Bill for cases like this?