HC Deb 17 February 1948 vol 447 cc969-71
15. Dr. Segal

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds military prisoners are still being marched handcuffed under escort along some streets of our large cities in full view of the public gaze; and when he proposes to put a stop to this practice.

Mr. Shinwell

In normal circumstances, military prisoners are not marched handcuffed, under escort, along public streets. But if a prisoner had broken away from his escort and had been recaptured, or if his conduct was such that an attempted breakaway was feared, the escort would correctly handcuff him and, if no suitable Army transport was immediately available, the prisoner would have to be marched handcuffed in public. I do not propose to alter this practice.

Dr. Segal

In view of the unfavourable impression which this creates, would it not be easier for the right hon. Gentleman to charter a "Black Maria"?

Mr. Shinwell

It is quite impossible for military escorts to anticipate the movements of every prisoner and to have a "Black Maria" there available.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is my right hon. Friend aware that recently, on a train in which I travelled, a handcuffed soldier was sitting in the same compartment as civilians, and that this caused distress to the civilians; and will he take steps to see that it does not happen again?

Mr. Shinwell

I should like a little more information about that incident. If military escorts anticipate their prisoners' intentions, they have to try to prevent the prisoners from escaping.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Is the Minister aware that the civil police do not adopt this practice; that it is a common occurrence at big railway stations to see young soldiers handcuffed to escorts; and will he take some steps to deal with it?

Mr. Shinwell

That is not my information. In normal circumstances handcuffs are not used.

Mr. Shurmer

In view of the fact that in all large cities there are military police with transport, would it not be possible to make it compulsory for these men to be taken from the lock-up in military police transport, without having to put handcuffs on them?

Mr. Shinwell

It is not as easy as all that. We do not deal with large numbers at a time.

Dr. Segal

Is the Minister aware that my Question points, not to instances of prisoners trying to escape, but to the fact that in some parts of the country handcuffing in public is used as part of the normal method of transport? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.