§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that Edward Pilkington, A.B. seaman gunner, with first class conduct, and wearing one good conduct badge, serving on board H.M.S. Retribution at Devonport, was sentenced to 14 days' cells and deprived of his good conduct badge, and reduced to second class conduct, for not taking the shamrock from his cap on St. Patrick's Day last, by order of the officer of the watch, but that this sentence has since been reduced to seven days' cells and the loss of his good conduct badge; and (2) whether he will order Edward Pilkington to be at once released from the cells in case any portion of that part of the sentence remain unexpired, and have him also reinstated in his former position in the service?
§ MR. A. CHAMBERLAINNo information on the subject is in the office, but it is evident that, if the terms of the Question are correct, the man must have been punished for disobedience to orders and in accordance with the scale authorised by the Naval Discipline Act. The answer to the second paragraph is in the negative.
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENI could not catch what the hon. Gentleman said.
§ MR. A. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Member will come to me in the Lobby I will show him my answer.