§ 30. Sir C. RAWSONasked the Home Secretary why permission is refused by the Governor of His Majesty's Prison at Parkhurst for a heart specialist to visit a prisoner, a previous patient, who is suffering from angina pectoris; and whether it is possible to make any exception?
Sir H. SAMUELThe prisoner in question has been free from heart attacks during his sentence. He is receiving all necessary medical care and attention and, if necessary, the prison medical officer could call in a specialist. In these circumstances, there is no reason for taking any excxeptional course.
§ Sir C. RAWSONAs the cost of the specialist will not fall on the public funds, is there any reason why this man should not be examined by his own doctor who is quite familiar with his case.
Sir H. SAMUELIf that were done in one case, it would have to be done in others, and there is no special reason why an exception should be made in this case.
§ Sir C. RAWSONThe only reason is life and death. Could not the right hon. Gentleman make an exception in this case?
Sir H. SAMUELThis patient is not ill, and has not been subject to any heart attacks during his imprisonment. The medical officer is carefully watching the 1808 case, and, as I have said, if there is any reason of life and death, a specialist will be called in.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSIs the right hon. Gentleman waiting for a heart attack?