HC Deb 20 July 1943 vol 391 cc686-7
46. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now announce the composition of the Court of Inquiry into detention barracks, and their terms of reference?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. The Hon. Mr. Justice Oliver has consented to be chairman of the inquiry. The other members will be the Right Rev, the Lord Bishop Suffragan of Reading and the Lord Moran. The House will note that these three distinguished men, though belonging to very different vocations, all gained the M.C. for gallantry in the last war and are therefore acquainted with military matters. The following are the terms of reference: To inquire into and report on the treatment of men under sentence in Naval and Military Prisons and Detention Barracks in the United Kingdom, and whether it is in accordance with modern standards and satisfies war-time requirements. The investigation will cover inter alia the supervision and administration of discipline, medical care, training, welfare accommodation, feeding and the suitability and adequacy of the staff. On full consideration the Government consider that, in order to give it the widest possible scope and freedom, the inquiry should he held in private and not under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, 1921. It is the intention, however, that the Report shall be published.

Mr. Bellenger

Is the Prime Minister aware, as I feel sure that he must be, that a lot of the relevant evidence will necessarily have to come from those serving in the Army or in other Services, men who have, of course, the most intimate experience with those detention barracks? Therefore, will facilities be given to these men to give evidence before the court, and will suitable protection be given to the witnesses?

The Prime Minister

It would be intolerable if any witnesses giving evidence before a court of inquiry of this kind should be victimised.

Mr. Shinwell

While not questioning the intelligence or bravery of the distinguished persons to whom the Prime Minister has referred, can he say whether any of them at any time have ever been incarcerated?

The Prime Minister

That has never yet been made an indispensable condition for membership of a public inquiry.