HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 c588W
Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists at the Barlinnie, Glasgow, Military Detention Camp as a result of awards of punishment made by the commandant for trivial disciplinary offences; that in several cases non-commissioned officers who happened to be five to ten minutes late for duty were punished by being deprived of their entire week-ends off duty; and, having regard to the fact that the men have only a week-end off once a fortnight, will he take steps to prevent this kind of punishment?

Captain Margesson

Seven non-commissioned officers at Barlinnie Military Detention Camp forfeited one week-end's privilege leave for being late for duty. None were less than 20 minutes and one as much as 55 minutes late, and in most cases this was at least the third offence. I do not regard these as trivial offences, particularly as five of the non-commissioned officers concerned were prison officers who are expected to set an example.