§ MR. NUSSEY (Poutefract)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Colour Sergeant Crawford, of the permanent staff of the Third Battalion Yorkshire Light Infantry, who was tried before Court Martial at Pontefract, on 23rd December, 1892, on a charge of being absent from barracks without leave, and of allowing the Order Book of the company to be sent to the Horse Guards without proper authority; whether he is aware that for the alleged offence Crawford was sentenced to be, reduced to the ranks and further to lose a good-conduct badge; and whether, having regard to the grave consequences following upon such a punishment and 1316 to the circumstances attending the trial, he is prepared to make inquiry into the case with a view to the mitigation of the sentence?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL BANNERMAN,&c.) Stirling,The soldier referred to was tried on the 23rd of last mouth on charges of being absent without leave and of conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in allowing the Company Order Book to be sent to the Horse Guards without lawful authority. He was convicted on both charges and sentenced to be reduced to the ranks. I am advised that there is nothing in the case to call for the intervention of the Commander-in-Chief.