§ Mr. LUNNasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that D. J. Owen, a member of the Society of Friends, has been in prison or detention on account of his religious convictions ever since Octo- 1802W ber, 1916, is in a very bad state of health, has been suffering from anæmia and neurasthenia throughout the whole of the past year, and has been in the prison hospital for nearly ten months; and whether he will make inquiries into the case with a view to this man's release from prison on health grounds?
§ Mr. SHORTTOn the 21st instant the medical officer reported that this prisoner was weak after a recent attack of influenza, and recommended his discharge, and I have accordingly given instructions for his release.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary in what prisons conscientious objectors are now being forcibly fed; when this form of discipline was introduced; is it increasing; and, if so, will he state the reason?
§ Mr. SHORTTCases were reported last week from Newcastle and Pentonville. Forcible feeding is not a form of discipline, but a medical measure applied only for the purpose of preventing self-imposed starvation. As there is no such form of discipline, the last two questions do not arise.