§ ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the system of punishments pursued on board the industrial school ship Wellesley, at North Shields, for breaches of discipline, &c., with a view to ascertain whether the same has been carried out in accordance with the regulations and long-established custom, the contrary having been alleged by the Chairman of the Committee of Management, according to reports in local newspapers, and notably in Shields Daily Gazette of 30th January, so that the Commander's authority over the boys may be sustained if he has been unjustly assailed, or that he may be censured if he has abused his powers?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes, Sir, I am aware that allegations have been made with regard to the system of punishments on board the school ship Wellesley. I have directed a special inquiry to be made by the two Inspectors into these allegations, and into the management of the school generally.