§ Mr. ROWNTREE(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received the answer to his inquiries into the case of Rendal Wyatt, a graduate of Cambridge University, who along with other conscientious objectors to military service was being punished by daily confinement for a period of time in a dark cell and in irons and fed upon a diet of bread and water in the military prison at Harwich Circular Redoubt; whether it is true that whilst these inquiries were pending Wyatt, along with sixteen other conscientious objectors, has been sent to France; and, if so, whether he can state what duties these untrained men, who feel that they cannot undertake military service, will be expected to undertake there?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am inquiring into this case, but I have not yet been able to ascertain whether Rendal Wyatt has been sent to France. If he has he will presumably be engaged on the duties mentioned by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary for War in an answer given to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 19th April.
§ Mr. ROWNTREEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of removing to civilian prisons these men who feel that they cannot undertake military service?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider that.
§ Mr. SNOWDENCan the Prime Minister give us an assurance that if these men are sent to France and they still continue their resistance that the death penalty shall not be inflicted upon them there?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it is hardly necessary for me to give an assurance upon that. The death penalty can only be inflicted after sentence by a competent tribunal.
§ Mr. SHERWELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is with the approval of the Government that these conscientious objectors, when subjected to imprisonment, shall be placed in irons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would like my hon. Friend to give an illustration.
§ Mr. SHERWELLThis case.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am inquiring into it.