HC Deb 28 March 1911 vol 23 cc1151-2
Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked whether Mr. Adam, the principal witness at the inquiry into the management of the Akbar Reformatory, has complained of the manner in which the evidence of himself and his witnesses was taken; and whether he has further complained that such evidence has been distorted in the Report recently issued; and, if so, what action does he propose to take in the matter?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Since the question was put on the Paper, a communication has been received from Mr. Adam complaining that his evidence in the recent inquiry at Heswall School had been "distorted." My right hon. Friend can find no warrant for such an assertion. Mr. Adam himself acknowledged, at the close of his examination, that he had received a fair hearing. My right hon. Friend does not propose to take any further action in the matter.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Does Mr. Adam state in his letter that he was astounded at the version of his evidence contained in the hon. Gentleman's Report?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not sure.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Has not the hon. Gentleman read Mr. Adam's protest?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Yes; but I cannot charge my memory whether he said he was astounded or not.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Was the Return prepared by the hon. Gentleman himself or prepared for him?

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that on page 7 of the Report upon the Akbar Reformatory School it is stated that it was freely acknowledged that the full punishment of eighteen strokes with a birch, or in most cases anything over eight strokes of the cane, would result in the cutting of the skin and the necessity for subsequent antiseptic dressing, and that antiseptic dressings were always applied in order to prevent poisoning; whilst on page 19 it is stated that no boy could be found who had been medically treated after the caning s; and what explanation he can furnish of this apparent discrepancy?

Mr. MASTERMAN

There would appear to be no discrepancy in these statements. I could find no evidence of boys being medically treated as a result of corporal punishments inflicted at Heswall School. One of the under-officers provided antiseptic dressing in any cases where the skin was cut or bruised.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

I beg to give notice that at the earliest opportunity I shall move that this Report be remitted back to the Home Office for revision by a competent and impartial officer.