§ MR. NIELDI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been directed to the case of Mr. Cecil Douglas, of Ealing, who, during a battle of flowers at Jersey, a few days ago, knocked off a policeman's helmet with a light basket, and was sentenced by Judge Vaudin to twenty-four hours imprisonment, without the option of a fine, during which time he was confined as an ordinary criminal, and was without food (except a glass of milk, given by medical orders) during the whole of his imprisonment; whether he is aware that the incident has aroused feelings of indignation throughout the island of Jersey; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have communicated with the Lieutenant-Governor, who informs me that the magistrate is of opinion that such a fête as the battle of flowers in Jersey is only possible if any attempt at rowdyism is put down with a firm hand. In the case referred to by the hon. Member it appears that the defendant committed an undoubted assault, striking a policeman with a basket held in both his hands. The sentence passed on him only involved detention from about 11 a.m. till about 5.30 p.m. on the same day. The glass of milk mentioned in the Question was in addition to the ordinary first-class prison diet.
§ MR. NIELDIs the right hon. gentleman aware that first-class prison diet in Jersey is bread and water?
§ MR. GLADSTONEThen the glass of milk was in addition.