§ 24. Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances the use of force and physical beatings is permitted to the military guards of the Cyprus Detainee Camps in dealing with refugees who have attempted to escape.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe military guards at these camps are allowed to use only the least force necessary to prevent escapes. Unnecessary force and physical beatings are strictly forbidden.
§ Mr. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that some of these prisoners have been kept naked overnight after having attempted to escape, and will he inquire into that allegation and see that that kind of thing or anything similar is stopped?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat is another question. I was asked about the use of physical force and beatings. I was not aware that stripping anyone of his clothing could be defined in that way.
§ 25. Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for War how many Jewish detainees have succeeded in escaping from the Cyprus camps since the date of their inception; how many attempted to escape on 26th October; and how many were physically beaten with the butt end of rifles after their recapture.
§ Mr. ShinwellSince these camps were opened, 161 of those detained are known to have escaped; of these, 156 have been recaptured. It is believed that others have escaped, but as British troops enter the compounds only if serious disorder occurs no physical check is made of the number detained. On 26th October seven people attempted to escape. It is reported that none was beaten with rifle butts after recapture. In view, however, of the statements which my hon. Friend has sent me I am having further inquiries made.
§ Dr. SegalIn view of the allegations which have been made, full details of which have already been supplied to my right hon. Friend, would it not be desirable to give wide publicity to the details of the evidence which my right hon. 1001 Friend obtains during the course of his inquiries?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat will depend on the evidence.