§ 23. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary with reference to the case of the young woman, M.B., who was brought into the remand hospital of Holloway Prison on 24th May, 1918, whether she was certified as insane before she was placed in the padded cell; if so, what was the proof that she was suffering from acute mania; what was the name of the doctor who certified her; where did the procedure of certification take place; and, since she took food of her own accord when it was left for her, will he say why it was necessary to feed her forcibly without giving her the opportunity of taking it in a normal manner?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The attack of acute mania developed in the night, and the medical officer was fully competent to judge of the patient's condition and to give proper treatment. Certification, which has to be by two doctors and two magistrates, is only necessary when it is proposed to remove a prisoner to an asylum. The patient suffered from the delusion that her food was poisoned, and when it was left with her flung it about the cell. For this reason it was necessary to feed her from a spoon. This was done as gently and with as little use of force as possible.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that she was actually removed to an asylum, and that his answer assumes that she was not?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe question assumes that. It is asked whether she was certified as insane. The answer only deals with the facts which happened. I will inquire whether she was removed to an asylum.
§ Mr. KINGAs this matter arose and excited a very great deal of public interest in the papers in the absence of the right hon. Gentleman abroad, will he look into it himself?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have already said I will do so.