§ Mr. MORGAN JONES(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any statement to make with regard to the present situation at Dartmoor, and whether he proposes to publish the report of the Commissioner after his inquiry into the recent disturbances?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)The report of the inquiry that has been held has not yet been received, but I expect that it will reach me tomorrow. It will need to be carefully considered, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement to the House on the disturbances at Dartmoor, and the matters arising therefrom, including the point raised in the last part of the hon. Member's question, on Monday next.
§ Mr. JONESMay I ask whether the Home Secretary is able to give an assurance to this House and the country that the men concerned have bad an ample opportunity of presenting their case themselves [Interruption;] whether the men concerned have had an ample opportunity of putting their case before the Commissioner [Interruption]? That is the right of every Englishman—[Interruption.] Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable amount of concern at the action of the Home Secretary in instituting a private rather than a public inquiry?
§ Sir H. SAMUELIt would be a mistake for me to anticipate in any way the statement I shall make on Monday next, in which I shall deal with the point raised.
§ Mr. JONESI am not Asking the Home Secretary to anticipate anything. I am asking him whether the men who were accused of certain actions have had an opportunity of stating their case?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe inquiry has not been in the nature of a trial of the men concerned.
§ Mr. O'CONNORIs there any doubt that Mr. Du Parcq would call for all such information as he thought necessary?
§ Mr. JONESIn view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Motion for Adjournment to-night.