HC Deb 16 April 1930 vol 237 cc2886-7
26. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that prisoners confined in Palestine gaols have been flogged for hunger striking; whether he will state the offences for which flogging is inflicted in Palestine gaols; and whether he will give instructions for the law in regard to flogging in Palestine to be assimilated to the law in Britain so that corporal punishment shall only be awarded for the same kind of offence, namely, an assault upon prison authorities, and with the same safeguards as in Britain?

Dr. SHIELS

No, Sir. I am informed that no prisoners have been flogged for hunger striking. With regard to the second part of the question, copies of the regulations governing the question of flogging in Palestine were placed in the Library of the House in March, 1929. Since then the number of offences for which corporal punishment may be awarded has been further reduced. I will take steps to have a copy of the revised regulations placed in the Library. It is not considered practicable at present to assimilate the law in all respects to that in force in this country.

Mr. FREEMAN

Are political prisoners accorded the same privileges, as regards diet, clothing and discipline, as in other civilised countries, whether they be Arabs or Jews?

Dr. SHIELS

There is no provision in Palestine law for political prisoners.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Will the Under-Secretary consider applying to Palestine the same rules as are now applied to India?

Dr. SHIELS

The position in Palestine in regard to prisoners is largely determined by the nature of the buildings and other matters of that kind. Every effort is being made to improve prison conditions in Palestine, but without a good deal of expenditure on buildings and other arrangements, it is not possible to bring the system in Palestine up to what we would like it to be. Progress is, however, being made.

Mr. FREEMAN

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see what can be done in according reasonable privileges to political prisoners?