§ 12. Mr. GINNELLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will ascertain and state whom Sir John Max well consulted last May, if any person, on the legality of trying persons not subject to military law by field general courts-martial, held in camera, in capital cases, and on the legality of having some such persons executed and others sent to penal servitude in pursuance of sentences of such Courts; whether he was, or is, aware that this procedure is unprecedented; whether he was, or is, aware that there is no law authorising it; and if he will specify the law on which Sir John Max well was acting?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have nothing to add to the replies which have already been given by the late Prime Minister, the late Home Secretary, and the Attorney-General on this subject.
Mr. GIN NELLIn view of the alleged replies to which I am referred being evasions, I must ask the hon. Member whether Sir John Maxwell has been consulted with reference to this question, in which there is involved a charge of murder?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have nothing to add to the previous statements.
§ Mr. GINNELLThis is a serious question, and I ask your permission, Sir, to put it down for to-morrow, to give the hon. Member an opportunity of consulting Sir John Maxwell.