HC Deb 19 July 1916 vol 84 cc990-2
17. Mr. MORRELL

asked the Secretary of State for War why permission is now refused to the public to be present at the district courts-martial held at Chelsea Barracks; whether he is aware that on Wednesday, 12th July, several friends of a prisoner who was to be tried at this Court were refused admission on the ground that they were not named as witnesses and were not representatives of the Press, and that the president of the Court had given orders that no other persons could be admitted; and whether such orders are in accordance with the Regulation which provides that the Court must be open to the public, military or otherwise, so far as the room or tent in which the Court is held can receive them?

Mr. FORSTER

Inquiry has been made, and I find that the Court on the date mentioned was throughout the proceedings open to the public, military or otherwise, and was always crowded, to the inconvenience of all present. I am also informed that a man handed in a visiting card purporting to be that of the hon. Member who puts this question, and that this man was accommodated with the best seat in the Court, although he was not named as a witness nor admittedly a representative of the Press. I think the House will agree that this goes to show that ample facilities were afforded to the public for attending this trial.

Mr. MORRELL

Is my hon. Friend aware that I was personally denied admittance as a member of the public, and that several members of the public "who were at the same time with me were refused admittance; and I only obtained admittance by sending in my visiting card and saying that I demanded to be present?

Mr. FORSTER

Then my hon. Friend had ample opportunities of seeing that the public were admitted in so far as the space in the Court allowed.

Mr. MORRELL

Will my hon. Friend see that in future it is made quite clear that courts-martial are public, and that the public shall not be excluded, as they were here?

Mr. FORSTER

I am informed they were not excluded.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these courts-martial are held in very small places, and there is not room for everybody?

Mr. MORRELL

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Adjournment.