HC Deb 30 May 1906 vol 158 cc400-2
MR. LEA. (St. Pancras, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War with reference to the Annual Report on the Army [Cd. 2696], page 77, what wore the names and corps of the two men on whom the death penalty was inflicted abroad in 1905, what wore the offences for which they were tried, on what dates were they tried, where and by whom; also the names of the persons who confirmed the sentences, and what opportunity was given to these men to appeal; and whether the evidence has since been submitted to the Judge Advocate-General, and if he approved of the sentences.

*MR. HALDANE

The death sentences referred to were those inflicted in India on two privates of the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers for murder. The men were tried by General Courts-Martial at Secunderabad and Chakrata respectively, in July, 1904. The sentences wore both confirmed by the General Officers Commanding Secunderabad Division and Eastern Command, and were approved by the Governor-General of India in Council, after review by the Judge Advocate-General in India. It is not considered desirable to make public the men's names. As regards the appeal there is no provision under the Army Act for an appeal; the sentence, however, is revised by the confirming officer and the legality of the proceedings, including the finding, by the Judge Advocate-General; and all courts martial proceedings pass through both these individuals.

MR. LEA

asked whether the murder was a murder of natives or Europeans.

*MR. HALDANE

asked for notice of the Question. If the hon. Member would communicate with him privately he would try to furnish him with details.

MR. LEA

further asked whether, as there was to be a Court of Criminal Appeal for civilians, a similar Court of Appeal would be provided in connection with courts-martial.

*MR. HALDANE

said this was a very big question. The present procedure was one of the most merciful he could conceive. A very considerable number of cases were quashed or the sentences reduced.