§ 7. Mr. Glenvil Hall (for Mr. McGovern)asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that conscientious objectors named Chadwick, Liverpool; Norman Williams, Sheffield; John Radford, London; Albert Foster, Newcastle; L. London, Colchester; Gregory, Sheffield; Gibbs, Cardiff; and many others have been treated in a brutal manner, being kicked, beaten with rifle butts, placed on bread and water in solitary confinement, dragged from their cells, marched round a square and prodded on with rifles; that the colonel in charge knew of this conduct and refused to intervene; that he insulted the men when they asked for a court martial; that he came to the cell of Albert Foster, of Newcastle, with a telegram informing him of Foster's mother's death, but he would not allow him to attend her funeral unless he donned soldiers' clothes and agreed to serve; that certain of these men have been compelled to serve through terror; and if he will inquire into this conduct and end these methods forthwith?
§ 8. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War how many conscientious objectors have been punished by detention, and otherwise, for breaches of Army discipline; how many are now undergoing punishment; whether he is aware of the charges made of harsh and brutal treatment of some of these men; and whether any investigation into the charges is being made?
§ Sir E. GriggMy right hon. Friend has ordered that a court of inquiry shall be held to investigate the allegations made regarding the treatment of conscientious objectors. Of this court, Major F. E. Pritchard, K.C., Deputy judge Advocate. Western Command, will be a member. I will communicate with my hon. Friends as soon as I am in a position to inform them of the result. The number of cases of imprisonment for three or more months for offences against military discipline on grounds of conscience is 32. The number of men undergoing imprisonment at present is three. Sentences of detention or of imprisonment for less than three months are not reported to the War Office, and in view of the inquiry which has been ordered I see no reason to call upon Commands for special reports.
§ Mr. Glenvii HallIs the hon. Gentleman aware that others of us have had these complaints? Will the inquiry be held in public?
§ Sir E. GriggI must ask for notice of that Question.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill the hon. Gentleman circulate the report in the OFFICIAL REPORT, so that Members shall know the result of the inquiry?
§ Sir E. GriggI cannot undertake to publish it, but I will see that the facts are made known.
§ Sir E. GriggI asked for notice of the Question.
§ Mr. ThurtleMay we take it that the facts as stated in the Question are not necessarily accepted as being true?
§ Sir E. GriggThe matter is sub judice, and I can say nothing about it.
§ At the end of Questions:
§ Sir W. SmithersOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask you a question which I consider to be in the public interest, although I do not press for a reply to-day? In view of the fact that I am not sure to which authority I should address my question, may I ask whether you, Sir, or the Government, think it advisable that Questions like Question No. 7 should appear on the Order Paper in these difficult times? They only afford propaganda for the enemy. I do not ask for a reply to-day, but only that the matter be considered by the proper authority.
§ Mr. SpeakerThis matter has been raised in the House before, and I think a satisfactory arrangement has been arrived at. I do not think there is any reason to reopen it.