§ 29. Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is the practice, in some cases, to march soldiers accused of military offences through the streets of Manchester wearing handcuffs and fastened to an escort; that this practice is open to strong criticism by both the public and overseas troops in this country; and whether, when these men have to be escorted from one place to another, they can be taken in a closed vehicle or some other fashion which does not attract public attention.
Sir J. GriģģA prisoner's escort is responsible for preventing his escape and if the non-commissioned officer in charge has reason to fear that such an attempt will be made there is sometimes no alternative to using handcuffs. They are, however, used seldom and whenever possible transport is used to take such prisoners from place to place. At railway stations—which incidentally provide good opportunities to escape—prisoners have to walk a short distance, but if they are sensible and keep their sleeves down the handcuffs are unlikely to be noticed by the public. In case these general principles have not been observed in Manchester the attention of the local military authorities is being drawn to my hon. Friend's Question.