HC Deb 28 April 1902 vol 107 c25
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office will now publish the evidence adduced on the trial by court martial of Lieutenants Handcock and Morant, which led to their conviction of the murder of twelve Boer prisoners; and, having regard to the fact that that evidence has been for a considerable time in the possession of the War Office, will he explain why it has been withheld from the public.

MR. BRODRICK

It is not usual to publish such evidence, and I do not propose to make this case an exception.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

But was not the evidence in the Press five weeks ago?

MR. BRODRICK

I really cannot say what the hon. Member saw in the Press. It is not usual to publish evidence given by courts martial, and I do not propose to do so in this case.