16. Mr. BARLOWasked what number of soldiers are under sentence for military offences in this country; whether a large number of soldiers so under sentence have in fact been sentenced for offences of a comparatively trifling character; and whether he will consider the possibility, in view of the shortage of men, of making arrangements so that they may continue their training?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt would not be in the public interest to state the number of soldiers under sentence for military offences in this country; nor could the number be ascertained without calling for returns from prisons, detention barracks, and units. Many such soldiers are serving sentences of a few days only, awarded by a commanding officer. All sentences of courts-martial are carefully reviewed by the legal advisers of the military authorities, and any which exceed the requirements of discipline are reduced accordingly. The great majority of soldiers under sentence for military offences are serving sentences of detention during which they continue their training.