HC Deb 28 April 1936 vol 311 cc730-1
57. Mr. GALLACHER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any information as to the state of health of convict 156, A. H. Jackson, serving a sentence of five years at Dartmoor; and what were the events which caused the injuries from which he has recently been suffering?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)

On 1st April this prisoner sustained a deep cut on his right forearm from broken glass. The wound required an operation which was successfully performed the same evening, but it is impossible to say at present whether any permanent disability will result. As the circumstances leading to this incident will involve disciplinary charges against the prisoner, it is preferable that I should not make any further statement pending their investigation by the board of visitors.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is the Secretary of State aware that the allegation is made that the glass which cut the arm of the prisoner was in the hands of a warder, and that the warder was responsible for the wounds—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has already been told that the matter is being inquired into.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is the Secretary of State aware that this man is in a very dangerous condition and will he make arrangements—

Mr. SPEAKER

We had better not go further into this matter now. It is being inquired into at this moment.

Mr. GALLACHER

But I want to raise a particular point—