§ 8. Mr. MAXTONasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a prisoner awaiting trial on the capital charge in Brixton Prison has been refused the right allowed him under prison regulations of obtaining food at his own expense from outside the prison; and what are the reasons for such refusal?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I am aware of the fact, and I am personally satisfied there are good reasons for the course taken. It would not be right for me to say more, but, if the hon. Member would like to see me personally, I can give him quite good reasons.
§ Mr. MAXTONIf the reasons are such as would prevent the prisoner being supplied with food by his own friends, are they such as would be grounds for refusing to allow food to be provided by some recognised restaurateur outside the prison walls who is in the habit of doing that sort of work for the prisoners?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSReally, the hon. Member ought not to press me in a matter of this kind. I will give him privately the reasons, which, to my mind, are quite sufficient to prevent this course being taken in regard to this particular prisoner. There is a very real reason.
§ Mr. MAXTONIn view of the fact that this is a very important period in a man's life, when he has a big ordeal to go through, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether there is any alternative way in which the man's wishes may be met in this respect, other than simply compelling him to eat the prison food?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs the hon. Member knows, I will make every inquiry, and, if he has any suggestion to make, I will personally consider it.