HC Deb 17 December 1998 vol 322 cc733-4W
Mr. Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he received in respect of Mr. Barry Home before Mr. Horne was transferred from Full Sutton Prison to York District Hospital on 24 November. [64448]

Mr. George Howarth

Mr. Horne was transferred to York District Hospital on 24 November on clinical grounds following an assessment of his medical condition by a consultant from that hospital.

Mr. Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further advice he received about Mr. Barry Horne's medical condition prior to his readmission to York District Hospital on 13 December. [64458]

Mr. George Howarth

The decision to return Mr. Horne to York District Hospital was taken on clinical grounds by the senior medical officer at Full Sutton prison in consultation with consultants at the hospital, following Mr. Horne's decision to resume eating and to accept medical treatment.

Mr. Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what costs have been incurred by his Department as a result of the hunger strike recently undertaken by Mr. Barry Horne. [64450]

Mr. George Howarth

The direct costs to the Prison Service of Mr. Horne's recent hunger strike have been estimated to be approximately £1,000 for the hire of agency nurses while he was held in Prison.

Whilst Mr. Horne was located in hospital, the Prison Service provided three escort staff. However, there is no additional cost related to these staff, as additional hours accrued by them during this time will be taken off during less busy periods in the future.

Mr. Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the reasons for the transfer of Mr. Barry Horne back to Full Sutton Prison from York District Hospital on 10 December. [64459]

Mr. George Howarth

Mr. Horne was returned to Full Sutton Prison following a review of his condition by medical staff at York District Hospital. The review concluded that in view of his continued refusal of food and medical treatment, and his stable condition, there was no clinical need for him to remain at the hospital as he could be equally well cared for in the health care centre at Full Sutton Prison.

Forward to