§ 22. Mr. MILLSasked the Home Secretary if ex-Inspector Syme has again been arrested and released after hunger striking in order to bring his case before the Government; and, in view of the repeated demands for an inquiry, will he grant an inquiry?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The facts of ex-Inspector Syme's case have been fully ascertained, and require no further investigation. There is no sufficient reason for re-opening the case.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present Secretary of State for the Colonies, during his occupation of the office of Home Secretary, so far recognised the justice of this case as to offer this man re-instatement to one degree below the rank occupied by him at the time of the inquiry? Having regard to the fact that this man is determined, even at the cost of his life, to secure an inquiry, will the right hon. Gentleman not, even at this late stage, do something to meet his claim?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe hon. Member has not given a correct description of my right hon. Friend's action. What he did was to offer re-instatement to the man as an act of mercy, and not as a matter of re-opening the case. As far as the effect on this man's health is concerned, the sentence he is serving was the sentence of the Court, and if he chooses to starve himself I cannot help it.