10. Miss LEEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many babies have been born in Scottish prisons during the 12 months ended 31st July, 1930; and how many pregnant women prisoners have been transferred to outside hospitals or maternity homes for childbirth?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNo babies were born in Scottish prisons during the twelve months ended 31st July, 1930. During that period, one Borstal inmate and one prisoner were removed to outside hospitals for childbirth.
Miss LEESince there are so very few cases, will the Under-Secretary consider 215 the advisability of seeing that no children are born in prison, but that maternity cases are transferred to outside homes?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONOur information is that during the last 12 years no child has been born in a Scottish prison.
11. Miss LEEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the regulations allow anæsthetics to be given to women in childbirth in prison maternity wards; whether any special diet is allowed to pregnant women; and, if so, what is the nature of such diet?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThere is nothing in the Prisons (Scotland) Rules to preclude anæsthetics from being given to women in childbirth in Scottish prisons if the prison medical officer considers it advisable and the prisoner consents. No special dietary scale has been authorised for pregnant prisoners; but the prison medical officer has power to alter diet if satisfied that it is necessary; and it is his duty to see that every prisoner has sufficient food.
Miss LEESince there are allegations of a certain amount of harshness in the treatment of these women, will the Under-Secretary see that in order to make them good citizens a little extra expense and attention is devoted to them?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIf the hon. Member will give me any specific complaint relating to a specific prison we shall be glad to have it inquired into.