43. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the report that has been published in the "Daily Herald" with 23 regard to the conditions obtaining at Les Attaques Military Prison, near Calais; if, as there stated, men are confined in this camp for trivial offences such as the overstaying of leave for a few days; if they are supplied with only one blanket each in the coldest weather and are flogged and placed in irons and handcuffs for conversing with each other; and, if there are no grounds for these charges, will he consider as to the taking of criminal proceedings for the publication of such reckless and libellous statements for the purpose of bringing the Army into disrepute?
Captain GUESTI regret that the report which has been called for has not yet been received from France. I will not fail to let my hon. and gallant Friend know as soon as I am in a position to give him an answer.
Lieut.-Colonel LOWTHERWho is the governor of this prison? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman cause stringent inquiries to be made with a view to the punishment or dismissal of the governor if he is to blame and with a view to his vindication if he should not be.