Biggs's health is 'deteriorating'

Michael Biggs said his father had been trasferred to an isolation ward

The son of 79-year-old Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs has said his father's condition is "deteriorating".

Michael Biggs visited his father at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the day before he had expected to be released from prison.

It has been revealed that Biggs tested positive for MRSA when he was swabbed upon arrival at the hospital.

Mr Biggs said his father had been transferred to an isolation ward after testing positive for the superbug.

Commons debate

Justice Secretary Jack Straw refused to grant parole on Wednesday, describing Biggs as "wholly unrepentant".

Michael Biggs said: "If he does not respond to the current treatment... there is a risk he could pass away."

Profile: Ronnie Biggs How the robbery unfolded

A Parole Board report said the risk Biggs posed was "manageable under the proposed risk management plan and consequently parole is recommended".

Mr Straw rejected the recommendation to release Biggs, saying he had "outrageously courted the media".

Commons Leader Harriet Harman said on Thursday it would not be "appropriate" for MPs to debate the decision to refuse parole.

Former sports minister Kate Hoey had called for a Commons debate, saying some MPs disagreed with Mr Straw's ruling.

Ms Harman said: "This is not a question of policy, this is a question of a quasi-judicial judgment in the public interest on a particular case."

I would urge Mr Straw to come down to the hospital and see him Michael Biggs

Biggs was moved from Norwich Prison to hospital on Sunday. He has pneumonia and fractures of the hip, pelvis and spine.

His son told the BBC's Today programme that his father would appeal against the decision because he had expressed remorse in his autobiography.

Speaking outside hospital, Michael Biggs said: "The pneumonia is extremely strong in his body at the moment. He is in a lot of discomfort."

He added that he could not understand Mr Straw's decision not to grant parole.

He said his father, who suffered the fractures in a fall, was in such poor health that he posed no risk.

"I would urge Mr Straw to come down to the hospital and see him," he added.

"He cannot read or write. He cannot eat or drink."