§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute an inquiry into the reasons why Noel Jenkinson, at present in Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight, serving a life sentence, was beaten unconscious in the security wing on 5th November 1975 and has lost 15 lbs. in weight since 651W being placed in solitary confinement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillOn 5th November 1975, in the special security wing in Parkhurst Prison, Noel Jenkinson was found with facial injuries comprising bruising of the right eye and nose and a split lower lip. There was no evidence to suggest that he had been rendered unconscious. He was admitted to the prison hospital and given treatment for his injuries. The Governor's inquiries at the time failed to establish how the injuries were sustained: no staff witnessed anything and Mr. Jenkinson himself said that he did not know what happened. In these circumstances I do not consider that further inquiry would be productive. On discharge from the prison hospital on 7th November, Mr. Jenkinson was removed from association with other prisoners and placed in the segregation unit under Prison Rule 43. He has since lost 15 lbs. in weight but he is in good health. His situation is being kept under review.