§ 96. Mr. BYRNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that there are between 300 and 400 men confined, as punishment, in the South Camp, which is unfit for human habitation; if he is aware that the wife of one of these men in the South Camp, Thomas Daly, No. 1199, recently died; that the news was not conveyed to the man himself, but was posted in the camp; that he was not allowed to send a telegram to his brother; and that no promise would be given that he would be allowed parole to attend the funeral; if he is aware that several of the men thus confined for punishment in the South Camp are in serious want of medical attention, but that this will not be allowed them unless they answer their name and number; if he is aware that one man, Tierney, got into such a low state of health, due to bad treatment and want of medical attention, that he is now out of his mind and was only got to. hospital with difficulty, and that no news was sent to this man's, Tierney's, friends or relations that his health was in such a critical condition although his failing health had been apparent for some days; if he is aware that, for the petty offence of wandering on the landings of the dormitories after lights out, four prisoners have been sentenced to fourteen days' bread and water; that a number of men who are badly in need of new boots and new clothes are refused either one or the other; and that generally the relations between the prisoners and their guards is such as to give serious apprehension of some grave occurrence unless the existing treatment is immediately ameliorated; and if he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. SAMUELThe South Camp, as I have repeatedly informed the hon: 327 Member, was reported upon most favourably by the American Embassy, when it was occupied by German prisoners of War. I have called for a report upon the statements in the remainder of the question. When it reaches me I will communicate further with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BYRNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man Tierney, the second man, has almost been driven mad by this Prussian guard, and can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government intend to treat them as Christians?