HC Deb 13 March 1918 vol 104 c330W
Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether ex-Inspector Syme has been arrested and is now in Wormwood Scrubs Prison; on what charge was he arrested; whether he has been on hunger-strike; and whether he will be tried on any charge?

Sir G. CAVE

Syme was convicted at Blackwood Police Court, Monmouthshire, on the 1st February, of offences against No. 27 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment. He has resorted to a hunger-strike, and has twice been released for short periods under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Act, 1913, as in his case it is found impossible, owing to his inability to retain liquid food, to permanently maintain his strength by artificial feeding. He is now at liberty until the 26th instant.