§ 134. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that eleven conscientious objectors went on hunger strike on 16th February in Newcastle Prison as a protest against the action of the prison doctor; whether he is aware that this doctor used one rubber tube to forcibly feed all eleven men without washing it in between; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the prisoners in Newcastle Prison receive adequate medical treatment?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)There is no truth in these allegations. Eleven conscientious objectors went on hunger strike with the object of securing their release from prison. They were fed artificially, and a separate tube was used for each prisoner. The tubes were afterwards cleaned.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs there no truth in the allegation that at first they were all fed by the same tube?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo; my information is that they were not.
§ 138. Sir M. DOCKRELLasked the Home Secretary if Aylmer Rose, a conscientious objector, sentenced to two years' imprisonment, has been sentenced to a further term of two years with hard labour; and, if so, will he, on the ground that Rose is an objector solely from religious conviction and not from disloyalty, grant any mitigation of his sentence?
Captain GUESTI have been asked to answer this question. If my hon. Friend will furnish the regimental number and unit of the man referred to I shall be happy to have inquiry made.
§ Colonel WEDGWOOD (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can yet inform the House as to the scope and nature of the independent inquiry promised into the conduct of the Governor of Wandsworth Gaol towards conscientious objectors?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have asked the hon. and learned Member for Peckham to make an inquiry into the allegations made through the hon. and gallant Member for New-castle-under-Lyme concerning the conduct of the Governor of Wandsworth Gaol.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill it include the whole of the letter sent to the Home Office?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, it will include everything which was in the letter which the hon. and gallant Gentleman sent.