§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of soldiers who committed suicide at the Curragh, Ireland, between 30th June and 31st July; and if he is prepared to cause an inquiry to be made with regard to so many suicides taking place in the regiments in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. HALDANEOnly one case of suicide occurred among the troops at the 1099 Curragh during the period mentioned, and the hon. Member was given full information in regard to that case. It is not considered necessary that any general inquiry of the nature suggested should be held.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that statements have appeared in the Irish newspapers to the effect that seven suicides took place in the period mentioned?
§ Mr. HALDANEI have seen reports in a great many newspapers, and not merely in Irish newspapers, but I cannot accept the statements as correct.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement was made by the Coroner at one of the inquests?
§ Mr. HALDANEI would rather see what the Coroner said, and not take what somebody says he said.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman apply for the information?
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he can state whether soldiers sent to military prisons are allowed to take shaving razors, etc., to prison with them; and, if so, in consequence of so many suicides with razors taking place in prisons, does he intend taking action in the matter?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe razor, which formed part of the man's necessaries, is taken to prison or detention barracks by him with the other necessaries. It is not the case that there have been many suicides with razors in military prisons. The recent case at the Curragh was an isolated one, and I think that, under the safeguards which exist, the practice of allowing a soldier to take his razor with him to prison or detention barracks may continue; he retains the razor only while shaving.