§ 58. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a prisoner in Her Majesty's Prison, Winson Green, Birmingham, found to be in possession of a home-made key, was given six different forms of punishment, including 15 days' diet consisting of bread and water; in view of the medical history of this prisoner, why such punishment was awarded; and for how long since this, this prisoner has been in the prison hospital.
§ Mr. VosperYes. The prisoner was dealt with by the Visiting Committee of Birmingham Prison, which, as the hon. Member is aware, is a quasi-judicial body. The prisoner was passed medically fit for the punishment awarded, and my right hon. Friend can find no grounds for criticising the decision of the Visiting Committee.
The punishment was awarded on 16th January, 1959; since that date, the prisoner has spent two periods in the prison hospital, from 6th-16th November last, and from 7th December to 25th January, 1960.