37. Mr. MALONEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the accusations made by a released Sinn Fein prisoner in the "Freeman's Journal," of Wednesday, 18th January, with regard to his treatment in Dartmoor convict prison, in which he states that he was obliged to pass through a double file of warders, each of whom struck him with his baton, was thrown a flight of iron steps and was afterwards beaten to the ground, sustaining such injuries that his head, legs, arms, and shoulders were bandaged for weeks after, and that he was 17 days in hospital; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into these charges by some competent and impartial person?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I have referred the extract to the governor of the prison, and have not yet received his reply. When I receive it, I will communicate with the hon. Member.
Mr. MALONEWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has received any other complaints as to the administration of this particular prison?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir none.