§ 47. Mr. MAXTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Frederick Amey, one of the prisoners who recently escaped from Dartmoor Prison, and was subsequently recaptured, is now seriously ill in hospital from in- 745 juries to the head; if he can state how these injuries were incurred; and whether this prisoner is liable to additional punishments for his attempted escape and, if so, by whom such punishments are decided?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis prisoner has been seriously ill, but not from any injuries. He was removed to the prison hospital on the 3rd instant in consequence of a rise in temperature and was found to be suffering from congestion of the lungs for which he was treated. This has now cleared up and he is on his way to recovery. Before removal to hospital the prisoner had been receiving treatment for minor head injuries caused when he was struck by prison officers after he had assaulted the Governor. The prisoner has been awarded punishment by the Board of Visitors as a result of his escape.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the Home Secretary seen statements in the public Press that this man has not been before the Prison Visitors at all, and that the punishment was inflcted before he had an opportunity of appearing before the Prison Visitors?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. If any such statement has appeared it is incorrect.
§ Mr. HANNONWould it not be very much better, and in the interests of discipline in prisons, that questions of this kind should not be put on the Paper at all?