§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if he will give instructions for attention to be given to the case of Burton W. Mackay, a conscientious objector in New- 57W castle Prison, who is suffering from his teeth and mouth and has been examined by a dental specialist who states that his case requires efficient dental treatment to avert serious consequences; and will he release this man from prison in order that he may undergo this necessary treatment?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe case has received all necessary attention. The prisoner has been seen by a dentist, and he will be allowed to have artificial teeth at his own expense if he wishes it; but his health is not impaired, and there is no sufficient reason for authorising his release.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary why an application made by a conscientious objector named Pugh, who is in Manchester Prison, to be allowed to resume work under the Home Office scheme, which he voluntarily surrendered in January, 1917, has not been granted; and whether he will see his way to grant such a request?
§ Sir G. CAVEThis man's conduct was unsatisfactory while he was employed under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors; and, when the Committee's rules came into force on 1st January, 1917, he said that he did not intend to obey them, and absconded. He was thereupon recalled to the Army, but remained at large for three months, when he was arrested. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if he will have an immediate and thorough inquiry made into the state of health of James Hudson, M.A., a conscientious objector in Manchester Prison, who has served twenty-one months' hard labour, and is at present confined in a damp basement cell; will he inquire into the allegations that Hudson has lost 3 stone in weight and is physically breaking up; and whether, in view of the long imprisonment already suffered and the man's state of health, he will order his temporary release under the powers he possesses?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have made inquiry in this case and find that the prisoner is confined in a dry and well-lighted cell on the ground level. He has lost only 2 lbs. in weight since September last. The prisoner's health has not been injuriously affected by imprisonment and affords no ground for authorising his discharge.
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§ Mr. ROWNTREEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department how many conscientious objectors are now working under the Home Office Committee at Bridge End Hut, Len Rock, Carmarthenshire, as navvies on a road-making contract; whether some of these men are housed in tents that have been condemned as unfit for use in the Army, so that their bedding and blankets are at times soaked by rain; and, if so, whether fresh arrangements can be made regarding accommodation?
§ Sir G. CAVEThirty-seven men employed on this contract are housed by the contractors in tents and thirteen in a hut. The Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors is in communication with the contractors and will see that proper accommodation is provided.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary for Scotland if he will have inquiry made into the case of James Boyd, a conscientious objector, now in Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, who was released on account of the serious condition of his leg and sent to the Edinburgh War Hospital for treatment, where he remained until 12th July, when an escort appeared and took him back to Barlinnie Prison, though his treatment had not been completed, and he was and is still unable to stand on his right leg; and will he take steps to have Boyd released for the completion of his cure or discharged from the Army, in view of his unfitness?
§ Mr. MUNROI have made inquiry into this case. The reports which I have received do not confirm the allegations contained in the question regarding Boyd's condition. He was returned to prison upon the report of an Army medical board. The question of his discharge from the Army is a matter for the military authorities. Upon present information I am not satisfied that there is a ease for discharging him from prison on medical grounds.