§ 27. Mr. T. RICHARDSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether John Llewellyn Evans, of Cardiff, a conscientious objector, was sentenced to 112 days' hard labour on the 24th June, 1916; whether, in spite of known ill-health, he was passed by the prison doctor as fit for navvying; whether, owing to subsequent exposure and hard conditions, he contracted consumption and died on Whit-Sunday last; whether he is aware that prior to his arrest Mr. Evans had never suffered a day's illness, and was in perfectly sound health; and will he cause inquiries to be made as to who is responsible for this man's death?
§ The SECRETARY Of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Evans was sentenced, as stated, and, in September, 1916, having been certified fit for hard labour by the medical officer of Cardiff Prison, he was sent by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors to work on a road near Newhaven In March, 1917, he was reported to be suffering from chronic bronchial catarrh and general debility, and was accordingly transferred to Wakefield Work Centre, where he was under the charge of an experienced medical officer. In April he was reported to be consumptive, and as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made he was sent to his home in the care of his mother. The War Office were then asked to consider the question of his discharge from the Army, but before the necessary medical examination could be made by the military authorities his death on Whit-Sunday was notified by his father. It appears clear that his death was due to consumption, and I do not think there is any ground for further inquiry.
Mr. E. HARVEYIs not this the second case within a week of people dying from consumption under the care of this Committee being reported to this House?
§ Sir G. CAVEI was not aware there were two eases in a week.