§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if he will have an immediate inquiry into the condition of Tom Stoke, a prisoner in Strangeways Prison, Manchester, who was released from this prison under the Temporary Release of Prisoners Act on the 3rd May, and who should have returned on the 27th May, but his health was in such a bad condition that he was unable to do so, though his brother communicated with the Home Office, and later Stoker himself reported to the police station, when he was examined by the police surgeon there, who reported heart 55W trouble, and yet, notwithstanding his condition, he was returned to Strangeways Prison on 9th June, when he again went on hunger strike, and was in such a weak condition that he had to be fed by tube; and will he order this man's immediate release, and make full inquiry as to who was responsible for taking him back to prison in such a weak physical condition?
§ Sir GEORGE CAVEThis man was temporarily released in May. He failed to return at the date fixed, but surrendered when he learned that the police were endeavouring to trace him. The police had instructions not to take him back to prison unless he was found to be medically fit, but the police surgeon certified that he was fit to return to prison and to undergo detention. He did not report heart trouble. The prisoner refused food, and had to be fed artificially up to 24th June. Though he is now taking food and is reported to be free from organic disease, he has reduced himself to a weak condition by his hunger strike, and, as he is due for release to-morrow, I am communicating the medical report to the War Office.