HC Deb 23 April 1917 vol 92 c2030
42. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to say what facilities are afforded to American citizens who are convicts in this country for alleged political offences for communicating with the American Government for the purpose of obtaining its protection and assistance in establishing and making effective any rights they may have as American citizens; and what means are afforded to them for assuring themselves that any such communications transmitted through the British Secretary of State really reach the American Government?

Mr. BRACE

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which were given to him on the 27th and 29th March.

Mr. GINNELL

The hon. Gentleman has not noticed that I asked him whether the convict has any means of ascertaining whether his communication reaches its destination?

Mr. BRACE

If a convict desires to-make representations as to his conviction or treatment, he must address his representation to the Home Secretary.

Mr. GINNELL

Has he any means of ascertaining whether the communication reaches America?

Mr. BRACE

He must, in the first instance, address his communication to-the Home Secretary.