§ 17. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecution of Charles Ridge, a lame seaman, at Long Ash ton, near Bristol, who assaulted a German prisoner who spat at him; if he will state what fine was imposed on Ridge; and what punishment is given to a German prisoner who spits at a lame British seaman who has served not only in the Navy, but in the Merchant Service and in the Army?
§ Mr. BRACEI have seen a newspaper report of the case, from which it appears that a penalty of 4s. was imposed on the defendant. The disciplinary punishments to which prisoners of war are liable are matters for the military authorities, to whom any questions on the subject should be addressed.
§ 52. General COLVINasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the German prisoner of war who insulted our wounded soldiers on 31st May in the neighbourhood of Epping by spitting at them has been punished; and if the wounded soldier who took upon himself to redress the insult has been commended for his prompt action?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)My inquiries into this matter are not yet complete, but I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as early as possible.