§ 20. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a number of German residents in Manchester, arrested 866 for not registering their nationality, were conveyed to the railway station on their way to their place of detention handcuffed and in chains; and whether he will address a circular to local officials as to the avoidance of unnecessary severity in such circumstances?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I find on inquiry that the prisoners referred to were German Reservists who were held as prisoners of war. As there were a large number of prisoners, the superintendent of police in charge thought it necessary to handcuff them for safe custody. I learn that the prisoners were brought in vans up to the platform where the railway carriage was waiting for them, and every step possible was taken to ensure privacy.