§ 32. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether persons who have been arrested by Glasgow police may be visited by their own medical attendants either on their own request or on that of their parents; and, if not, whether he will consider issuing instructions allowing this procedure?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Glasgow Police Instructions provide that if a person in custody who is suffering from illness or injury, or states that he is so suffering, desires the services of his own doctor, arrangements should be made for him to be seen by his doctor in the presence of the casualty surgeon, who is responsible for the treatment of all persons in custody who require medical aid. I am not satisfied that any extension of this Instruction is called for.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the Secretary of State for Scotland aware that in a recent case the parents of a young man who was arrested asked for the presence of their own doctor, who was willing to come, and they were threatened with arrest if they did not go away?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, I cannot accept the description given by the hon. Member. I have made inquiries into this case, and I am satisfied that, whatever request was made by the parents, when the person who was detained was asked if he had any complaint to make or wished to have his own doctor, he made no such request and made no complaint.
§ Mr. STEPHENDid the right hon. Gentleman consult the doctor in question, or did he simply consult the police?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have taken steps to inquire from the proper authorities, and, unless the hon. Member has any further information, I am satisfied that what I have said is correct.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs there any reason to doubt the statement which has been made?
§ Mr. STEPHENIs there any reason why the Secretary of State for Scotland should not consult the doctor in question? The right hon. Gentleman simply says that he consulted the proper authorities.
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe doctor in question was informed by the police that, while no request was made by the individual under detention, the parents desired him to attend.
§ Mr. STEPHENI desire to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House at the first available opportunity.
§ Mr. MACLEANWhom does the right hon. Gentleman mean by the proper authorities?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNaturally, I inquire of the police authorities.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAlways ask the accused!