§ 37. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many men and women are now on hunger-strike in Palestine prisons; how many are in Jerusalem; how many in Jaffa; and how many in Haifa; on what charge these persons have been imprisoned; what is the nature of the demands in support of which they are hunger-striking; and whether any deaths have recently occurred in prison attributable to the effects of hunger-striking?
§ Dr. SHIELSI would invite reference to the reply given yesterday to a question in similar terms by the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Freeman).
§ 39. Mr. HORRABINasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a girl named Hannah Milstein, aged 18, has recently died in gaol in Palestine from the effects of hunger striking; why she was not removed from gaol to hospital when it was evident that she was in a critical condition; and whether he will take steps to ensure that special treatment is accorded to political prisoners in Palestine?
§ Dr. SHIELSMy hon. Friend has been misinformed. At no time did Hannah Milstein take part in a hunger strike in prison: and during the term of her sentence she was in fact admitted to the Government Hospital. She suffered from chronic valvular disease of the heart, 386 and died of heart failure more than three months after her discharge. So far as I am aware there is no discrimination in the law of this country between political and other prisoners, and I see no reason why such discrimination should be exercised in Palestine.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether any steps are being taken in Palestine to put an end to flogging in gaol.