§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any Order was issued by the Admiralty similar to that issued by the War Office on 23rd May last, granting certain acts of pardon on the occasion of His Majesty's Accession; whether such Order included deserters, and, if not, will he explain to the House the reason for their non-inclusion?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOrders were issued under which men who, on 23rd May, were under sentence of imprisonment for disciplinary offences—including, I may add, desertion—were granted the remission of the residue of their sentences. A similar remission was granted to offenders undergoing certain minor punishments under Article 744 of the King's Regulations. The terms of the Order were most carefully considered before it was issued, and I cannot undertake to recommend any further act of clemency.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIn regard to this act of clemency, was there one Regulation for the Army and another for the Navy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have stated that the men who were undergoing imprisonment for desertion had the residue of their sentences remitted. Beyond that I cannot undertake to recommend any special clemency.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThen the question of pardon is not to be considered?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANot beyond the terms of my answer.