HC Deb 23 June 1943 vol 390 cc1151-2
39. Mr. McNeil

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether persons detained in naval detention quarters are provided with hammock, palliasse, mattress or some suitable sleeping equipment and with bedclothes?

Mr. George Hall

Ratings detained in naval detention quarters sleep as on board ship except in the first stage of the sentence. In this stage they are not allowed bedding except on the orders of the medical officer, but blankets are issued in cold weather. In the later stages, deprivation of bedding may be awarded as a punishment for offences committed in the detention quarters. The question whether the regulations should be altered is under consideration.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

How long does the first stage last? Is it the same in all cases, or does it vary according to the length of the sentence?

Mr. George Hall

It varies in accordance with the conduct of the person who is detained.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

So that it might be for a considerable time that a man is without bedding or even blankets in cold weather?

Mr. George Hall

Well, it might be.

Mr. McNeil

May I have an assurance that men are never deprived of bedding against the advice of the medical officer, even after the penalty has been imposed?

Mr. George Hall

I think I can give my hon. Friend that assurance.

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Seeing that the deprivation of bedding is simply a survival of the practice of civil prisons, which has long been abolished, ought it not to be abolished here?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

When may we expect the result of the inquiry which is now taking place; will it be soon?

Mr. George Hall

I hope so.