§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the 19 women now in Holloway gaol for offences committed in connection with the women's suffrage movement are still under-going solitary confinement; whether they have refused to partake of all food; and whether he has received any report from the medical authority of the prison as to the effect of the solitary confinement on the health of the prisoners?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThere are 18 suffragist prisoners in Holloway Prison. Seven of these are still in close confinement, and these seven are refusing food. The medical authorities of the prison have not reported that any prisoner is suffering from confinement, but I received reports which showed that the health of four prisoners was suffering owing to their refusal of food, and, on the recommendation of the588W medical officer, I authorised the release of these four—two yesterday and two to-day.