asked the Secretary of State for War if he will appoint a small committee of Members of Parliament to inspect military detention barracks and civil prisons in which soldiers are detained; and if he will provide facilities for hon. Members to do so.

:So far as military prisons and detention barracks are concerned, hon. Members are welcome to visit them at any convenient time either individually or in small parties. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that similar facilities will be given for visits to the civil prisons concerned. Many such visits have been made in the past. I see no reason, however, for a formal committee of inspection.