HC Deb 08 March 1949 vol 462 cc99-100W
9. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that during an investigation into alleged thefts in the 2nd Infantry Brigade at Salonika in January last certain men were questioned throughout two and in some cases three nights in succession, and kept awake and set to work during the whole of the day, thus having no sleep for 48 or 72 hours, and were repeatedly falsely informed that other men had made confessions implicating them, and that this questioning was illegal in other respects also; and whether he will give directions that such practices shall cease and that no statements obtained by such methods shall be used before any court martial.

Mr. Shinwell

I was not aware of these allegations. I have called for a report from the military authorities in the Middle East. All members of the Royal Corps of Military Police and particularly the Special Investigation Branch are fully instructed in the correct procedure to be observed in the conduct of investigations.