63. Mr. E. HARVEYasked whether Emanuel Ribeiro, after fourteen months' forcible feeding at Lord Derby's War Hospital, Warrington, is still being forcibly fed at Wormwood Scrubs; whether he has received a letter from Mrs. Ribeiro giving particulars of his emaciated physical condition as a consequence of what he had undergone before his removal to prison; and whether he is now able to recommend the release of Ribeiro, in view of the length of time he has suffered and the uselessness of prolonging this treatment?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The man was received into prison on the 23rd March, and on the same date his wife wrote a letter, of which a copy was sent to me, to the effect that he was in a low state of health and in an emaciated condition. I asked for a special medical report upon the case, which was to the effect that the man was in good health but rather too fat owing to want of exercise. A further medical report received to-day shows that his health continues good and that he is losing fat and gaining muscle and is taking his exercise regularly. It appears to me, therefore, that there are no medical grounds for ordering his release.
§ Major NEWMANWhy was this man Ribeiro allowed to stay in this hospital for fourteen months, and who paid for him? Was it Lord Derby, the country, or who?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat question must be: addressed to the War Office.