HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1909-10
72. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Bailey, Hoare, Muirhead, Skinner, and Hodgson have been given dietary punishment by the Governor of Wandsworth prison for refusing to work; and whether this is contrary to an assurance given them by a commissioner in October last?

Mr. SHORTT

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire of Colonel Wynne?

Mr. SHORTT

Yes.

75. Mr. SPOOR

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that conscientious objectors who were sentenced to ten years' penal servitude are not receiving the same privileges as those who are serving shorter sentences; and whether he will make the treatment of conscientious objectors who have served over a year in prison uniform by extending Rule 243a to all, irrespective of whether they are serving terms of hard labour or of penal servitude?

Mr. SHORTT

The matter is receiving my consideration.

76. Mr. SPOOR

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that H. V. Fuller, a conscientious objector in Wandsworth Prison, has been suffering considerably from eye trouble ever since June last, and that the ocuhst who examined him said that the trouble was due to his poor state of health; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to his release on health grounds?

Mr. SHORTT

This prisoner is not in bad health, and there is no ground for authorising his discharge. He has been fitted with special glasses by a specialist.

78. Mr. FREDERICK ROBERTS

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Harry Baker, who has been in prison since March, 1917, is the only conscientious objector in Gloucester Prison, and is therefore deprived of the privilege of talking on exercise: whether he is also aware that the Governor will not allow him to be visited because the only friends who live near enough to visit him do not know him personally; and whether he considers it just that this man should be isolated, and deprived, through no fault of his own, of two of the most important privileges enjoyed by other men in his position?

Mr. SHORTT

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The prisoner makes no complaint on this point. The Governor has not refused to allow him to be visited. The prisoner has refused to write to any of his friends, and says he will not do so while he is a prisoner, although the Governor has tried to persuade him to do so.