HC Deb 03 April 1919 vol 114 c1425W
Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that R. Williams, a conscientious objector in Preston Prison, has been deprived of all privileges, even exercise, ever since August last, has been forcibly fed in a straitjacket, and is now hunger-striking again, and whether he will have investigations made into this case and see whether this man is now being forcibly fed?

Mr. SHORTT

I have made inquiry. The prisoner forfeited the privileges granted to conscientious objectors by his refusal to work, but this did not involve the loss of exercise. He himself deliberately refused to take exercise. He has not been placed in the straitjacket at any time. As the result of his refusal of food he was released on the 26th March under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for ID Health) Act, 1913.