§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the physical and mental condition of Pauline McLaughlin currently in Armagh prison hospital; and if he will release her to a civilian hospital.
§ Mr. Humphrey Atkins[pursuant to his reply, 4 December 1980]: Pauline McLaughlin was first remanded to prison in 1976 and sentenced early in 1978 to detention during the pleasure of the Secretary of State for the murder of a soldier in 1974. She was also sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment ranging from 5 to 16 years for seven other offences, including attempted murder and causing explosions.
It is on record that before her imprisonment she already suffered from a condition of nervous origin which manifested itself in the form of repeated vomiting. Since her admission to Armagh prison this vomiting has caused gradual loss of weight. She has had thorough medical investigation and treatment both within the prison and in hospital outside. Her psychological state and the effects of her vomiting on her weight and bodily functions continue to cause concern and she is being carefully observed by professional staff. Her condition is not at present critical. She is not in the prison hospital.
Throughout her imprisonment this girl has had the most assiduous and expert medical attention from prison medical staff backed up by the facilities and specialist expertise of the Health Service. She has had frequent 346W examinations by outside consultants, including one nominated by solicitors acting for her family, who have expressed their approval and high regard for the health care she has received in prison.
While Miss McLaughlin's health does give cause for serious concern, it is considered in the light of all the advice available that there are insufficient grounds for taking the exceptional course of releasing her on licence from the indeterminate sentence and using the Royal Prerogative to remit the balance of the fixed terms. However, the case will continue to be kept under very close review, and if at any time Miss McLaughlin requires treatment which cannot be provided in the prison she will be moved to the most suitable outside hospital without delay.
Statements have recently been circulated to the effect that necessary health care has been denied to this prisoner. These are wholly untrue. The professional staff in attendance act solely in accordance with clinical judgment and professional ethics and the prison administration puts no obstacles in the way of medical assessment and treatment.