HC Deb 29 July 1943 vol 391 cc1762-3
38. Sir H. Williams

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with regard to the death by suicide of Mr. Kurt Schier on 11th July in an internment camp in the Isle of Man?

Mr. H. Morrison

An inquest was held in this case by the Coroner at Douglas, Isle of Man. He found that the cause of Mr. Schier's death was strangulation by hanging himself at a time when the balance of his mind was disturbed. The deceased had recently applied unsuccessfully for release from internment, and evidence was given at the inquest by a fellow internee who was captain of the deceased's House in the Camp, that Mr. Schier had threatened on more than one occasion during the three weeks before his death to take his life. Unfortunately these threats had not, I am informed, been brought to the notice of the Camp Leader or of any responsible person who might have taken steps to prevent the tragic occurrence.

Sir H. Williams

Was it not the case that the deceased was informed about three weeks before that he was likely to be released, that a further communication indicated a change of decision, and that was the cause of his mental disturbance?

Mr. Morrison

I am not aware of that fact.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is it not worth while inquiring what caused this man to become unbalanced and to commit suicide?

Mr. Morrison

We cannot have any further information now than that which transpired at the inquest. I think it is clear what the circumstances were.

Miss Rathbone

Is it not the case that this unfortunate man had complied with every request made to him and had filled up all sorts of forms volunteering for war service, and that he gave way to a fit of despair because his hopes had first of all been raised; and does not the whole thing point to some change in the procedure of putting in applications for release?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think there was anything exceptional in that regard. This man was not a refugee, and there should be no misunderstanding on that point. Clearly I must do my duty by what I conceive to be the security of the State, and I cannot be deterred by the possibility of suicide.