§ 42. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the men employed at Llangadock Home Office camp have to work six miles from camp, start work at 5.30 a.m., return at 6.30 a.m., and have no meal provided in the thirteen hours; that they have uncooked oats, raw peas, and potatoes given for food and loose tea for drink, but no cooking utensils are provided; that some of the men have had no new clothes or boots for twelve months and have only what they stand up in; that their washing place is the stream at some distance; that the demands of nature have to be performed along hedgerows, which stink and are unhealthy; that men are constantly leaving to be sent to prison, taking that alternative as the only means to preserve life; that no orderlies or workers' committees are permitted as in other work centres, but discipline is enforced by frequent beating by agents and gangers; and whether an independent person, preferably a Member of the House, not member of the Home Office Committee, will be allowed to visit this camp, or whether other independent investigation, other than asking questions by letter from the agent, will be made?
§ Mr. BRACEThe suggestions contained in this question are inaccurate from beginning to end. The work places are all within a mile and a half of the camp. Work begins at six-thirty and ceases at five-thirty. There are two five-hour spells, with an interval of one hour for lunch, including a hot drink prepared by orderlies attending for the purpose. All the necessary cooking for the 103 men concerned is done by three cooks. Clothing is issued whenever it is required. There are adequate facilities for washing and bathing, and four latrines for the camp and outyling sleeping places. No man 212 has left for prison this year. Discipline is not enforced by beating. The conditions of the camp are well known at the Home Office. It has been visited by the inspector and members of the Committee and its staff, and I see no ground for further inquiry.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs it not a well-known custom and Rule of this House that hon. Members who put down questions have to make themselves responsible for the facts contained in them?
§ Mr. KINGDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman not know that it is human to err, and that he is just as human as I am?
§ Mr. BRACEPerhaps my hon. Friend will permit me to say that on this occasion it is he and not me who has erred. I have gone into the matter personally, and after most careful inquiry what I have given is my answer.
§ Mr. KINGAre we to take the answer as meaning that the right hon. Gentleman has himself recently visited this camp? [HON. MEMBERS: "Do not answer…"]