HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 cc188-90
31. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he has taken in respect of Company Sergeant-Major Walker and Corporal Shaw of the Infantry Boys' Battalion, Plymouth, consequent on the death of Private Peter Foden on 28th October, 1954.

Mr. Head

Following a court of inquiry a summary of evidence was taken, which included evidence from the boys at present in prison. A most careful examination of this did not reveal grounds for taking disciplinary action.

Sir F. Medlicott

Does my right hon. Friend not recall that at the assizes these two non-commissioned officers were accused of inciting the offence for which these 10 boys are now serving terms of imprisonment? Should it not have been made clear some time ago that these N.C.Os. would be punished, or removed from the Army, or cleared of the charges?

Mr. Head

I think that my hon. Friend is wrong in saying that they were " accused " of this. We went into the question extremely carefully by a summary of evidence and the court of inquiry itself, and I am quite satisfied that there was not sufficient evidence to take disciplinary action.

39. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has taken in respect of the administration, supervision and disciplinary arrangements of the Infantry Boys' Battalion at Plymouth, following the death of Private Peter Foden and the criticisms made by Mr. Justice Byrne at the Hampshire Assizes.

Mr. Head

Following the death of Boy Foden I took immediate steps regarding supervision and daily routine at the Infantry Boys' Battalion. The battalion has been reorganised; there has been an increase in supervisory staff; evening activities, games and competitions have been increased, and special steps have been taken to ensure a high standard of entry to the battalion.

Sir F. Medlicott

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recall that the judge at the assizes said that the military authorities had failed in their duty to look after these boys, and asked for an assurance that such an appalling episode would never occur again? Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that beyond any doubt whatever he has taken the steps necessary to meet those criticisms?

Mr. Head

I have just told the hon. Gentleman the immediate steps. I have had this special report prepared and I intend to lay it before the House, together with details of the action I am taking.

Mr. Bellenger

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that incidents like this cast unpleasant reflections on the officers of the units concerned? Therefore, what steps is he taking in respect of the incident in relation to the commanding and other officers who were responsible for discipline there?

Mr. Head

There is a new commanding officer at this boys' battalion, and the staff has been both reorganised and increased. I am only too well aware of the responsibility that we owe to parents of those in boys' units. I have had this special report made. It is a most valuable report, and I am grateful to the experts who made it. I am determined that we shall get things running on the lines we owe to the parents.

Mr. Wigg

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite sure that he is being frank with the House? Earlier he said that he had put forward two N.C.Os., or one officer and one N.C.O., for a summary of evidence. Does this mean that charges were preferred against them and then dropped?

Mr. Head

No, Sir. I stated that a court of inquiry was held, followed by a summary of evidence, to see whether there was evidence for further disciplinary action. It was found that there was not. That does not arise on this Question.

Mr. Dugdale

Can the Secretary of State assure us that the previous commanding officer of the unit has not been transferred to a similar unit, but that he is in fact doing different work?

Mr. Head

Certainly he has not been transferred to a similar unit. There is not another unit like this.