HC Deb 08 March 1951 vol 485 cc638-9
4. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Brynley Fussell was known to have escaped from a Borstal institution to France.

Mr. Ede

Fussell was due to report back at the Rochester Borstal Institution on 21st November last, after a period of home leave. He failed to report, and the Governor received a message on 23rd November that he had that morning been arrested in France.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the fact that this youth has been in a French prison for something like four months; and, if so, what representations is he making through the Foreign Secretary in order that this position may be clarified?

Mr. Ede

The period given by the hon. Gentleman is about right; it is a little over four months, I think. We have made repeated efforts to get this youth extradited. He has consented to return and it is the formalities of the French courts that are preventing this taking place, but I am hopeful that he will be returned within a few days.

Sir Ian Fraser

As this boy will have had four months in prison would it not be a good idea to let him go free when he comes back, and possibly enlist him in the Air Force?

Mr. Ede

When this lad comes back he will have to stand his trial for certain offences which he has committed, not merely those against Borstal discipline, and I should not like to say anything today that would prejudice the fair hearing of the case.

Several Hon. Members rose

——

Mr. Speaker

The Question only asks on what date this youth was known to have escaped, and we have got rather far from that.