§ Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Home Secretary if any circular has been recently issued to modify what is known as the silence rule in prisons; if so, can he state the number of hospital nurses that have been charged at Parkhurst Prison for allowing patients to break this rule; and whether a fully qualified 458W medical officer or an Army officer is in charge of Parkhurst Prison Hospital?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the circular. As regards the second part, I am informed that one hospital officer at Parkhurst was admonished not long ago for neglect of duty while conversing with a prisoner, but that no other recent cases have occurred. The hospital at Parkhurst is in charge of a fully qualified medical officer, and the whole establishment, including the hospital, is under the control of the Governor.