§ 4. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement with regard to the ninety-three Royal. Marines in Bodmin Prison for offences alleged to have taken place in North Russia; and whether these mea are allowed visits from relatives?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Long)In view of the immense amount of labour involved, and the very full consideration that is being given to these cases, I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement at present. With regard to the last part of the question, the rules for the admission of visitors, as regards men serving penal servitude in the civil prisons, are that they are allowed to receive one visitor on conviction, and thereafter, to receive visitors when they have earned this privilege by good conduct; and as regards men serving imprisonment in Bodmin naval prison, they are allowed to receive a visitor when they reach by good conduct a certain progressive stage, which can be reached after two months.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman state approximately when a decision will be arrived at with regard to these cases?
§ Mr. LONGI cannot name the day, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there has been no avoidable delay. The reason why a considerable amount of time is occupied in considering these cases is the necessity of careful investigation in each individual case.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill it be before the House rises?