§ 85. Mr. E. KELLYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the dicta of the late Lord Chief Justice in the case of Leigh v. Gladstone, to the effect that it is the duty of prison officials to preserve the health of prisoners in their custody, and, a fortiori, to preserve their lives; and whether the attention of prison governors will now be called to that decision?
§ Major BAIRDThere is not the smallest reason for doubting the prison officials' recognition of the duty incumbent on them to do all they can to preserve the life and health of prisoners committed to their custody—no circular on the subject is needed.
§ Mr. KELLYIs it not infraction of the principles laid down in that case when the Government proclaim that they are going to allow hunger-striking prisoners to starve themselves to death?
§ Major BAIRDI do not think that the point arises. The gentleman in question is now in a home and is taking his food.