§ 37. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Edmund Howarth, a conscientious objector who has been in prison considerably over two years, and is now serving a sentence of two years' hard labour in Maidstone Prison, has been suffering very severely from rheumatism, which is now affecting his heart; and whether he will now call for a report?
§ Mr. SHORTTThis prisoner has been temporarily discharged from prison on account of the ill-health he brought on himself by persistent refusal to take food. Before this he had complained of rheumatism, and was given treatment for it, but according to a report I received on the 12th February, his general health was good, and his heart was not affected.
§ 38. Mr. LUNNasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that A. D. King, conscientious objector, who has been in prison or detention for two years and five months, is now in Winchester Prison hospital in a serious state of health; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case with a view to his release from prison on health grounds?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have had a report in this case. The prisoner had an attack of influenza, but is making satisfactory progress towards recovery.