§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydfil)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances attending the degradation for alleged disobedience of Private James Rennie, of the A. squadron of the Fife and Forfar Imperial Yeomanry at their animal training camp at Annsmuir, Ladybank, on 27th June; whether Rennie was taken under escort to the centre of the square and informed that he had been sentenced to be drummed out of the regiment, and was thereupon deprived of his cap and had the buttons and decorations cut from his tunic, and was thereafter marched outside the camp; what was the offence-for which this punishment was inflicted, and what opportunity had Rennie for defending himself; and what regulations authorise this form of punishment, without trial.
§ MR. HALDANEThe facts of this case are substantially those described in the Question, with the addition that the commanding officer reports that Private Rennie was provided with a civilian overcoat and money necessary for his journey. The offence was disobedience of orders to his troop officer. The usual inquiry was held by his commanding officer and the summary of evidence forwarded to the General Officer Commanding with an application for the man's trial by court-martial. The general reports that as he received the application only on the day before the regiment left camp, he directed the commanding officer to deal summarily with the case. The commanding officer under the powers vested in him by 1079 Section 181 (6) of the Army Act dismissed the man. The procedure adopted by the commanding officer in dismissing the man was highly improper, and he has been so informed by the Army Council. This method of public marching out is obsolete in the British Army, and certainly should not have been adopted in this case. I must add that there is no reason to doubt that Rennie deserved to be dismissed from the regiment, or to question the sufficiency of the investigation.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEIs it not the case that Rennie was refused his pay and travelling allowance for his horse, and had to borrow money to pay his train fare home; and were not the captain and sergeant-major both allowed to testify to the commanding officer against Rennie, while Rennie was not permitted to state his own case, or give evidence on his own behalf?
§ MR. HALDANEI have no knowledge of these circumstances, but if the hon. Member will put down a Question I will make inquiry. I would point out, however, that I am informed, and I have no reason to doubt it, that Rennie was provided with a civilian overcoat and the money for his journey.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEHas the right hon. Gentleman received a copy of the letter sent to Lord Lovat in connection with this case, in which all the facts I have stated are set forth?
§ MR. HALDANEI have not seen the letter, but if the hon. Member will put down another Question I will make inquiry.