HC Deb 09 August 1905 vol 151 cc803-4
MR. H. D. GREENE (Shrewsbury)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice to require two privates and a non-commissioned officer to be sent to. escort one deserter or other military prisoner; and whether he will state how many police constables are required as an escort for one civil prisoner in ordinary cases; and whether any economy can be effected by altering such requirement as regards military prisoners.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

In paragraph 618 of the King's Regulations it is laid down that the escort of a prisoner as a rule is to consist of one corporal and one private; if the prisoner is to be conducted to his unit after surrendering himself, a non-commissioned officer only is sufficient. I am not acquainted with the procedure adopted by police constables in the case of a civil prisoner. [The noise in the House was so considerable that the right hon. Gentleman's voice was almost inaudible.]

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

On a point of order, the right hon. Gentleman is turning his back to the House, and we cannot hear him.

*MR. SPEAKER

All Members should really address the Chair. The right hon. Gentleman was turning towards me.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

said that it was impossible on the Irish Benches to hear the Secretary for War.

*MR. SPEAKER

If the hon. Gentleman will try to maintain more quiet amongst his own followers—[NATIONALIST cries of "Oh!"]—and if hon. Members on the Ministerialist side will also remain quiet, there will be an opportunity for everybody to hear.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

May I point out that there was absolute quiet on these benches? I submit that we are entitled to hear the Answer.

*MR. SPEAKER

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will repeat the Answer.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I gave the Answer, I think, audibly, addressed to the Chair, and the hon. Member who put the Question to me.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Address the House.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I do not, propose to repeat the Answer at the request of the hon. Member for South Donegal. If you, Mr. Speaker, request me to do so, I will do so.

MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)

Impudence!

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

then repeated the Answer.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Now, that is much better.