§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Home Secretary if the Wakefield City Council has reported to him on the subject of the attacks on conscientious objectors employed at the Wakefield work centre; and, if so, whether ha will state the substance of the Report so far as it relates to the conduct of the conscientious objectors?
§ Mr. BRACEMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and myself recently discussed this matter with a deputation from the city council. The discussion turned chiefly upon the precautions to be taken to prevent a recurrence of the disturbance and only incidentally upon the causes which led to it. I was satisfied that,1418W while in some individual cases the conduct of the conscientious objectors after their working hours had not been all that could be desired, the main cause of the outburst at Wakefield was popular indignation at the unpatriotic attitude adopted by these men in the present crisis. The measures of precaution which have been taken are dictated solely with the view of preserving the peace, and not as the result of any adverse report on the behaviour of the men.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the relatives of Mr. Scott Duckers believe his health to be steadily declining; if any inquiry has been made; and what steps are being taken?
§ Mr. HEWINSInquiry has been made and the medical officer reports that the prisoner is in good health, bodily and mental. There is no ground for any intervention in the case.