HC Deb 24 June 1889 vol 337 cc556-7
MR. WADDY (Lincolnshire, Brigg)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any, and what, compensation will be given to William Henry Thompson for the imprisonment and the punishments inflicted upon him by the orders of Captain Woodward and others; and, whether he will lay upon the Table of the House Copies of the Proceedings before the Queen's Bench Division in the case of Reg. v. Woodward, decided on Friday the 21st instant, including the affidavits filed on each side, and also Copies of all Correspondence between the Admiralty or War Office and Captain Woodward or others, and all Instructions given to any Officer of the Army, Navy, or Constabulary in this matter?

LORD G. HAMILTON

As I have already stated, the facts brought to my notice in connection with this case do not seem to me to entitle this young man to compensation. The second request of the hon. Gentleman to me is to adopt a procedure which, so far as I know, is absolutely without precedent, and which I cannot assent to.

SIR G. CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy)

Will what took place at the quasi trial before the Naval Authorities be laid on the Table for the information of the House?

LORD G. HAMILTON

I do not think it is desirable that the Admiralty should lay the statement in question on the Table.

MR. WADDY

I beg to give notice that as soon as I obtain the necessary documentary evidence I shall move the adjournment of the House for the pur- pose of calling attention to this subject.