HC Deb 15 July 1935 vol 304 cc746-7
36. Mr. TINKER

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that soldiers under arrest are handcuffed and taken from one place to another in railway carriages that are occupied by other passengers; and will he have an inquiry made to see if this method of conveying arrested soldiers could not be dealt with in some other way?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

I am aware that on occasion it is necessary for soldiers under arrest to be conveyed long distances by rail. As regards the use of handcuffs it would not be right, for obvious reasons, to interfere with the discretion of the escort responsible for the safe custody of the soldier.

Mr. TINKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only a week ago in a crowded compartment on the Tube, a young private was conveyed handcuffed, and would he call that bringing dignity into the Army? If a soldier has to be taken handcuffed, could he not be taken in a separate compartment?

Mr. HACKING

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that the present position is not very satisfactory. I am having the whole matter looked into. There are practical difficulties.

Mr. PIKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Charles Peace would not have escaped if he had been handcuffed?