HC Deb 20 December 1916 vol 88 cc1482-3W
Mr. JOWETT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the possibility of permitting conscientious objectors brought before the Central Tribunal and refusing to accept the Home Office scheme to communicate the decision to their friends?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This question, which amounts to a request for the relaxation of prison rules, should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.

Mr. JOWETT

asked whether Reginald Voysey, a conscientious objector to military service, is confined in Wandsworth military prison; whether he is being starved in his cell and otherwise ill-treated to force him to go on parade and accept military control; whether inquiries will be made into the allegations of ill-treatment; and whether Voysey can be handed over to the civil authorities in accordance with Government pledges?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Private Voysey is at the present moment undergoing a sentence of detention in Wandsworth Prison. The suggestions of the hon. Member that he is being starved and otherwise ill-treated are wholly without foundation, and I invite him to substantiate them. If the hon. Member will refer to previous answers given in this House on many occasions he will realise that it is not possible to transfer this man to a civil prison.