HC Deb 18 November 1937 vol 329 cc556-7
29. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Home Secretary whether the Governor of Winson Green Prison, Birmingham, has yet decided whether Miss Betty Cartwright is to remain in the prison hospital or to be removed for treatment to a nursing home; and, seeing that Miss Cartwright was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment for driving a motor car under the influence of drink, what are the grounds upon which the Governor has contemplated moving her outside the prison?

Sir S. Hoare

A prisoner could not be removed from prison to a hospital or nursing home without my authority. There has been no recommendation by the Governor or Medical Officer that authority should be given in the case referred to, nor is there any reason at present to anticipate that such a recommendation will be made.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the Home Secretary inquire why the Judge in this case said that it caused him pain to sentence Miss Cartwright, when apparently it causes no pain to sentence lorry drivers who meet with accidents, not through being drunk, but through being overworked and underpaid?

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that, if he should give his sanction for the prisoner to be removed to hospital, she cannot be taken back to prison?