HC Deb 04 July 1917 vol 95 c1084
26. Mr. NEEDHAM

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to extracts of a letter from James Brightmore, the Pit, Shane Camp, Cleethorpes; whether the punishment described has been awarded with his consent; and whether Brightmore is allowed to receive letters from his relatives?

80 and 82. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that it is stated at Cleethorpes Camp that James Brightmore, who has recently been subjected to ill-treatment there as a conscientious objector, is being sent out at once to France; whether, as Brightmore has proved the genuineness of his objection by suffering two terms of imprisonment, he will see that the man is not taken out to France; (2) whether his attention has been called to the treatment of James Brightmore, D Company, 3rd Manchesters, at Cleethorpes Camp; whether he is aware that among other ill-treatment he was kept for a prolonged period in a pit 10 feet deep and 40 inches by 18 inches wide, and full of water at the bottom; whether the fact that he has served sentences of 112 days and six months' hard labour arc sufficient proof of the genuineness of his conscientious objections; whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case; and whether, if the allegations are not disproved, he will call those responsible for the proceedings to strict account?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This allegation has previously been brought to my notice, and in consequence on the 28th June I directed that a staff officer should proceed at once to Cleethorpes Camp to interview every conscientious objector there and to receive his complaints and to forward a full report. I received a telegram yesterday that a report was on its way, but it has not yet reached me There is no truth in the suggestion that Brightmore is being sent to France.

Mr. THEODORE TAYLOR

Will the hon. Gentleman in the meantime consider the result of the inquiry, and see that this man is not sent to France?

Mr. MACPHERSON

There is no intention of sending Brightmore to France.