§ 36. Major Wyattasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received the proceedings of the court of inquiry on the conditions at the Stakehill Military Detention Barracks; and whether he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir. But I understand that the court of inquiry proceedings on the individual case, which were suspended pending the result of the inquest, have now been completed and are being forwarded to the War Office. As already promised I will make a statement regarding this establishment when my inquiries are fully completed.
§ Major WyattWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the relations not only of men who are serving sentences in these detention barracks, but of men in detention barracks all over the country, are extremely concerned about the stories that have been given out that a man committed suicide there recently? Will he treat the matter as one of urgent public importance and make a statement on the whole question of detention barracks as soon as possible?
§ Mr. JannerPending the result of the enquiry being received, would my right hon. Friend make certain inquiries himself, as they are necessary to allay public anxiety in this respect?
§ Mr. LawsonThere is reason for very close investigation into this particular case and I think there will be need for a very comprehensive report. When I get that report the House shall have a statement in any case.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanCan my right hon. Friend say whether this was purely a Service court of inquiry or whether anyone else was represented on it?
§ Mr. LawsonSo far as my memory goes, though I would not say for certain, I think there were other than Service people on this court.
§ Mr. JannerDo I understand that my right hon. Friend intends other alleged difficulties in that camp to be investigated apart from the specific case?
§ Mr. LawsonYes, Sir.