HC Deb 12 February 1946 vol 419 c169
44. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the recent break-out of 16 men from Northallerton military prison, and the events leading up to it; and if he is satisfied that conditions at this prison conform in every respect with the recommendations of Oliver Report

Mr. Lawson

On Sunday, 3rd February. 16 soldiers under sentence escaped from the military prison and detention barracks, Northallerton. They escaped from the parade ground through the back gate of the prison, using the stools which they had just brought out of the chapel as implements. Fourteen of them have since been recaptured. The recommendations of the Oliver Committee have been fully implemented at Northallerton, except that owing to the general shortage of medical officers the medical officer is a civil medical practitioner, and is not employed full-time. He is, however, immediately available when required.

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been another similar escape since the one mentioned in the Question, and is he satisfied that everything is all right in this prison? Is there to be a court of inquiry, or a public inquiry?

Mr. Lawson

I drew the attention of the command at once to the matter and asked for an investigation. I understand that it was investigated within two days of the escape and all the soldiers under sentence were seen and there were no complaints.

Mr. Turton

Could the right hon. Gentleman supply a new back gate to this prison as it has been broken through twice in the last 10 days?

Lieut.-Colonel Mackeson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Questions of this nature are not helpful to discipline?