HC Deb 05 March 1946 vol 420 c42W
120. Sir T. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make in regard to the disturbances at the military detention barracks, Northallerton, Yorkshire; and what is the present position.

Mr. Lawson

At about 11 a.m. on 1st March, 1946, a disturbance in "A "Hall at the Military Prison and Detention Bar-racks, Northallerton, was started by one of seven men recently arrived from B.A.O.R. He was joined by the rest of the B.A.O.R. party; and they got on to the roof and started throwing down bricks and slates. Subsequently some stores were broken into and set on fire and smoke was seen to be coming from the Hall. The fire brigade was called and troops were called in to stand by if needed. The fire was subdued, but a few men remained on the roof until 7 p.m. when they came down as the result of a broadcast by the Sub-District Commander.

Some damage was caused to the building of "A "Hall and some Nissen huts near by were damaged by fire. One warrant officer on the staff was admitted to hospital with minor injuries to the face. Three other members of the staff were slightly injured. No soldiers under sentence were injured.

The trouble was confined to "A "Hall, and by no means all the inmates of that hall took part. A court of inquiry has been held, and I am awaiting a full report.