HC Deb 19 June 1907 vol 176 cc453-4
MR. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers are still subjected to shot drill in any military prisons or detention barracks either at home or abroad; and if so, considering the consensus of medical opinion that exists as to the injury this form of punishment does to the physique of the soldier, whether he will abolish it forthwith.

MR. HALDANE

Shot drill is no longer carried out in military prisons or detention barracks cither at Home or abroad, although the consensus of medical opinion is not against this form of punishment, provided that it is under proper supervision. In fact, its abolition was not based on medical advice, but on the substitution of drill, gymnastics, musketry, etc., for "hard labour."