Birmingham Prison Hospital (Death)

HC Deb 06 February 1958 vol 581 cc1335-6

17. Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the circumstances in which George Phipps, of 50, Parkville Highway, Coventry, who was sentenced to one month's imprisonment on 19th December, died in Birmingham Prison Hospital on 27th December.

Mr. Renton

Phipps was medically examined on reception into Birmingham prison on 19th December, 1957, and found to be suffering from chronic heart disease. He was placed on light sedentary work. He was seen by various prison medical officers on 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 25th December for bronchial trouble and constipation. On 27th December symptoms suggesting a deterioration in his heart condition were noticed and he was removed to the prison hospital. On 4th January, 1958, he was seen by a consultant physician, who approved the treatment he was receiving. He died on 6th January. A post-mortem examination showed that he died of chronic heart disease complicated by pneumonia. At the inquest the jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not the case that this man, a first offender, was in fact a dying man when he was sent to gaol? Was there evidence before the magistrates of the very serious condition in which he was at the time of his conviction? Will not the right hon. Gentleman order a most searching inquiry into the apparent official and magisterial callousness which resulted in this man being given what was in fact a death sentence for a relatively small offence?

Mr. Renton

I do not accept what the hon. Member says. I am not aware that the man was in fact a dying man from the moment he entered prison. I can assure the hon. Member that, in view of his illness, he was under medical supervision almost daily from the time of his reception into prison and was nursed in hospital for ten days before his death.

Mr. Edelman

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman answer the question I have put to him—whether there was medical evidence before the magistrates when this man was convicted?

Mr. Renton

Not without notice.

Mr. Edelman

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.