HC Deb 21 August 1916 vol 85 cc2259-60
104. Mr. T. RICHARDSON

asked whether Mr. Scott Duckers, who has served his term of imprisonment imposed by court-martial, has since been sent back to the Army, and is now stationed at Sheerness; and whether it is the intention of the Government to keep up this system of persecution by forcing men to go through the same process time after time?

Mr. FORSTER

I am informed that Private Scott Duckers at first refused to go before the Central Tribunal, but on the 7th August he agreed to go, and duly appeared before it on the 8th August. I am informed that his attitude towards the tribunal was that he would have nothing to do with the tribunal itself or the scheme in general. In view of these circumstances Private Duckers will be dealt with under the Army Act. I must take exception to the expression "persecution," used by the hon. Member. If such an expression were acceptable in this instance it would be equally applicable to any other insubordinate soldier who is being similarly dealt with according to the law.

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