HC Deb 12 February 1884 vol 284 cc666-7
SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the Admiralty have considered the sentences of courts martial for breaches of Naval discipline, and whether they contemplate bringing forward any amendment of the Naval Discipline Act, with the view of preventing the passing of sentences of penal servitude, except in very aggravated cases; and, whether the Admiralty is willing to reconsider the case of the seaman Endenby, of Her Majesty's troopship "Assistance," who was sentenced to penal servitude for an assault on a ship's corporal, and of Quinn, in whose favour a memorial has been presented to the Admiralty?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

It is our intention to introduce a Bill amending the Naval Discipline Act, and its introduction will supply an opportunity for stating the opinion of the Admiralty on the question referred to by my hon. Friend. As to the two cases stated in the Question, the Admiralty have considered them, and have remitted two years of the sentence in each case.