§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that nurse-warders at Barlinnie Prison on Sunday mornings visit those prisoners who have reported sick and take off the list those who they think can wait till Monday before seeing the medical officer; what are the medical qualifications that enable the nurse-warders to exercise this discretion; whether it is on the instructions of, or within the knowledge of, the medical officer that this practice is observed; whether it has the approval of the Prisons Department; and whether he will issue instructions that prisoners reporting sick should be examined by the medical officer at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. ColvilleIt is the practice for prisoners reporting sick at Barlinnie Prison on Sunday to be seen by the medical officer on that day. Some misunderstanding may have arisen because requests made by prisoners in relation to change of work or accommodation are not as a rule dealt with on Sunday.
§ Mr. McGovernasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that on the night of 24th October, 1938, a prisoner named Pringle, who was working alone at the coir-teasing machine in the workshed at Barlinnie Prison, tripped over an obstacle at the entrance to the wooden erection housing the machine and had his hand badly lacerated through its having come in contact with the moving machinery; that he had the presence of mind to stop the machinery and extricate his hand; that when he went to summon assistance he found that all the doors in the workshed were locked; that although an officer was on duty on the other side of one of the doors he had no key; that another officer had to be despatched to the gate-house, which is some considerable distance away, for a key before the man could be liberated and taken to the surgery for treatment; why was the machine not adequately guarded so as to prevent accidents of this nature; what was the date on which the factory inspector passed the machine as complying with the factory Acts; whether this was before or after it was put in commission; why this man was working alone with dangerous machinery, in view of the announcement by the late Sir Godfrey Collins, on 12th May, 1036, that 2668W two or more officers are always employed in each workshop in which machinery is used; what disciplinary action was taken against the authorities at the prison for contravening the order; and what was the amount of monetary compensation granted to Mr. Pringle?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am making inquiries into this case and when these are completed I shall communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether letters written by prisoners awaiting trial and fine slips made on behalf of convicted prisoners are dispatched with the first available post from Barlinnie Prison; and, if not, will he take steps to see this will be done in future?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.