HC Deb 25 April 1901 vol 92 cc1301-2
MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War is he aware that Private Thomas Ryan, a soldier who served throughout the whole South African campaign, was for the offence of drunkenness on the 28th January last sentenced by a district court-martial to three years penal servitude; that on the night of his alleged offence Ryan was wet to the skin, and had been exposed for several days to constant and severe wettings; whether any previous conviction had been reported against him; where he is now imprisoned; and will he recommend the Commander-in-Chief to reconsider the sentence with a view to some remission.

LORD STANLEY

Private Thomas Ryan was found, when he should have been on sentry, hopelessly, intoxicated. This offence on active service is, as the hon. Member will admit, one of extreme gravity. His offence, however, will, like those of all other soldiers committed on active service, be duly considered, and the award, if necessary, revised by the Commander-in-Chief.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Was not this unfortunate soldier suffering from hunger and the effects of the campaign generally?

LORD STANLEY

My information is that he was suffering from drink.