§ 30. Commander Locker-Lampsonasked the Home Secretary whether it is the usual procedure to release prisoners suffering from thrombo-phlebitis; and how many such have been released?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe general policy with regard to persons convicted of offences and sentenced to imprisonment or penal servitude is that release on medical grounds is considered if continued imprisonment will endanger the prisoner's life or reason, or will shorten his life, or if he will be bedridden for the remainder of his sentence. During the year 1942 eight men and one woman were released from prison under this policy. There is, of course, no rule that prisoners suffering from one type of disease shall be released and prisoners suffering from another type shall not. Each case is considered by reference to the effect of the disease on the health of the particular prisoner and the degree of danger that continued imprisonment will entail.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs not the Home Office suffering from moral malaria in releasing for this disease only a millionaire?
§ Mr. MorrisonClearly that statement is untruthful, and the hon. and gallant Member must know it. If he and I are going to discuss what he and I are suffering from, it will be a long Debate.