HC Deb 22 May 1911 vol 26 cc5-6
Mr. NEWTON

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty is now in a position to state the result of his full inquiry regarding the punishment by warrant, at Parkeston, of leading signalman Thomas Black; whether the punishment then inflicted was after due trial as laid down in the regulations; whether Black's request to be allowed to lay his case before the commodore was refused; what has been the position of Thomas Black in the service during the progress of the inquiry; and what further steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. McKENNA

After full investigation the Admiralty have directed the punishment awarded to be cancelled, as the original cause of the offence was not substantiated. His good conduct badge and the rating of leading signalman, which he previously held, have been restored to Black, and he has been drafted to another ship.

Mr. NEWTON

Has Black lost any money as the result of these proceedings and the long delay?

Mr. McKENNA

I cannot say that there was any long delay. During the period his case was being tried he was rated as signalman, and not as leading signalman, and no doubt he would lose a certain amount of money. I must add that when Black asked to have his case submitted to the common law he did so in a very disrespectful manner, and his request at that time, in consequence of his disrespect, was refused, and properly refused.

Mr. CROOKS

Is not this man to have compensation? Surely if a man is not found guilty he is entitled to some compensation?

Mr. McKENNA

I am afraid that everybody who is wrongly charged suffers some loss.

Mr. CROOKS

Not if he is an officer. He gets compensation.