Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Home Secretary whether he has had any recent reports on the effects of the revised scale of prison diet on the prisoners; whether it has been accompanied by loss of weight and physical deterioration in a number of cases; and whether, in the case of prisoners who are doing hard labour, a more adequate diet will be authorised?
§ Sir G. CAVEReports were received from the prison medical officers at the end of June. They report a slight loss of weight among the prisoners, but they are unanimously of opinion that there has been no deterioration of health, and that, so far as can be judged by present experience, the diet is adequate. There is no evidence to suggest that the diet is insufficient for those engaged on the harder forms of labour, but its effects will continue to be carefully watched.