Schools (Subsidies) (Hansard, 16 November 1979)

§ Dr. Boyson

The net cost to public funds of these services in the areas in question in 1978–79 was as follows:

or refer prisoners to outside hospitals for out-patient treatment or for admission.

The doctors concerned with prisoners' health observe the same professional ethical principles as apply to the treatment of any other patients. In particular, treatment indicated in a prisoner's own interest is not forced upon him against his will. While prisoners can, therefore, deny themselves medical care by refusing to co-operate with the medical staff, medical care is never denied a prisoner on disciplinary grounds.

The current campaign by certain prisoners in Maze prison involves the creation of disgusting and unhygienic conditions, apparently with total disregard of 829W consequent risks to health, in support of demands for special category status. The Secretary of State has made it clear that the Government will not yield to these demands. To contain the health risk created, a number of special measures were introduced, including regular steam-cleaning and repainting of cells.

The full range of medical services is available to the protesting prisoners, with daily sick parades and with a medical officer and prison hospital officers available day and night. It is, however, part of the campaign that these prisoners do not co-operate with prison officers or clinical staff. A medical officer visits the cells at least once a week, to monitor and observe the internal conditions, personal hygiene standards and inmates' health, so far as this is practicable. It is not possible to maintain the same standards of care for prisoners who reject it as for the majority who co-operate in measures designed for their own welfare.

If the actions of individual prisoners should cause an unacceptable health hazard to other inmates, staff or the community, such measures as may be necessary will be taken to counter the risk; but it is not the practice, or the intention, to force medical care upon any prisoner for his own individual benefit.

This accords with the ethical and legal position in the general community, where measures to protect the individual's health are not forced on him against his will, but public health legislation provides for compulsory examination and isolation in the case of an infectious disease hazard.

Despite the conditions which the protesting prisoners have been creating since March 1978, there has so far been no evidence of any resulting illness.

Prisoners who reject normal hygienic standards of behaviour, and who refuse to co-operate in medical examination or treatment indicated for their individual welfare, do so at their own risk, and the consequences are entirely their own responsibility. I hope this is clearly understood by these prisoners and by those outside the prison who are directing or supporting the protest.

I shall continue to monitor the situation closely, and in the light of medical advice to take appropriate measures to 830W control the health risks created by the protest campaign.