Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSasked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make about the case of Harry Bernard Parkinson, aged 20, who on 29th May hanged himself in the gaol at Armley, Leeds?
Captain CROOKSHANKThis prisoner, who was received into Leeds Prison on remand on the 25th May, was found hanging from his cell window shortly before7.30 the same evening. Artificial respiration was applied immediately, but on the arrival of the medical officer a few minutes later he was found to be dead. He had been placed under special observation and had been visited at short intervals, but there had been nothing in his demeanour to suggest that he was likely to take his life. At the inquest which was held on 28thMay the coroner's jury found a verdict that death was self-inflicted during a fit of insanity.
Mr. ADAMSWith out wishing to cast any slur on the prison authorities, may I ask my hon. and gallant Friend whether this was not a case in which bail might properly and safely have been granted; and, if that be so, will he see that bail is granted in cases of this kind?