HC Deb 07 March 1911 vol 22 cc1019-20
Mr. HUNT

asked whether the Secretary for War is aware that many of the soldiers who gave themselves up as a result of the publication of the King's pardon were not aware of the penalties that would be inflicted on them; and whether, in view of these facts, he can see his way to remitting the penalties imposed?

Mr. HALDANE

I have already informed the hon. Member that the conditions under which the pardon was granted were published in the special Army Order of 23rd May, and there does not appear to be any reason for supposing that the men concerned did not have ample opportunities of ascertaining these conditions. There is no intention of relaxing the conditions in such cases.

Mr. HUNT

Is it not a fact that a great number of men did not know they were going to be punished after the War Office had promised the King's pardon, and is it not very wrong that they should be punished after the promise of the King's pardon?

Mr. ASHLEY

What steps were taken by the War Office to inform these men what the conditions were?

Mr. HALDANE

The men came in on the statement of the conditions. We made the conditions public; otherwise the men would not have come in.