17. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked whether the rules for field punishment which provide that an offender may be kept in irons—i.e., in fetters or handcuffs or both fetters and handcuffs and may be attached for a period or periods not exceeding two hours in any one day to a fixed object and that straps or ropes may be used in lieu of irons, but not during more than three out of four consecutive days nor during more than twenty-one days in all—are intended to authorise the punishment known as crucifixion, in which the arms of the offender are fastened outstretched while the feet of the offender are sometimes raised above the ground; and whether they also authorise an offender being fastened to a cart-wheel with feet and arms extended?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe rules for field punishment do not contemplate such procedure.
§ Mr. TENNANTI cannot answer that definitely; I only say they do not contemplate it.
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether these punishments are ever being imposed on men who are resisting orders on conscientious grounds?
§ Mr. TENNANTI should think it is highly improbable, but I cannot answer for it definitely without putting a question.
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am very much disinclined to do that.