HC Deb 17 July 1958 vol 591 cc1430-1
27. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances Mr. T. McFarlane, of Birmingham, at present serving a sentence in Her Majesty's Prison, Cardiff, received an injury to his head necessitating treatment by a hospital officer; for what reasons this man was put in a punishment cell and stripped naked; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement about this case.

Mr. Yates

In view of the criticisms which have been levelled against this prison on a number of occasions, can the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether this statement, which he is circulating, is the result of any special inquiry that has taken place into this case? Will he consider why a prisoner who was under medical treatment was not allowed to report sick? Is he aware that as a result of this struggle the man definitely was injured and says that he was marched to his cell and stripped before any charge was made?

Mr. Renton

When the hon. Member has a chance to study this statement he will find that his fears about what he thinks happened are unjustified. As to making an inquiry, the Visiting Committee, which is an independent body, has already inquired into McFarlane's allegations and has found no evidence to substantiate them. My right hon. Friend can see no ground for any further inquiry.

The statement is as follows: On 22nd March McFarlane stopped at the entrance to the prison workshop, and refused to work. He was twice ordered by the escorting officer to go to work and cautioned, but he persisted in refusing; he then said he wanted to report sick. He refused to go to his cell and wait for the doctor to come and see him and started shouting and became violent. With considerable difficulty he was forcibly removed to a strong cell. During the struggle caused by his violent reistance he fell to the floor. When in the strong cell McFarlane said that he had struck his head on an iron gate. He repeated this explanation to the hospital officer who attended him shortly afterwards. He incurred a minor cut on his head about an inch long and not serious enough to need stitching. While in the strong cell his clothing was removed and searched but at no time was he left wholly naked. McFarlane made no complaint when he appeared before the Governor but he later complained to the Visiting Committee and alleged that he was struck with a stave by one of the officers. The Committee heard evidence from McFarlane, another prisoner who claimed to have witnessed the incident and the officers concerned and decided that his complaint was not substantiated.