HC Deb 04 May 1916 vol 82 cc128-9
64. Mr. JOWETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the record of the court-martial by which a soldier, who was a boy from the East of London, was recently sentenced to death; whether he will ascertain and communicate to the House the names of the officers constituting the court-martial; whether he will state the name of the officer or officers who confirmed the sentence of this court-martial; and if he will indicate whether the private referred to was defended by counsel, solicitor, or prisoner's friend?

Mr. TENNANT

It is regretted that it is not possible to comment upon the sentences of courts-martial approved by the Commander-in-Chief.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Are we to understand, from that reply, that it is or is not a fact that this boy, only nineteen years of age, was shot?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know what his age was, but undoubtedly he was shot.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sentence of death was passed within a month of this boy leaving hospital, where he bad been for a nervous breakdown caused through wounds due to a mine explosion, and is it customary to shoot boys in such circumstances?

Mr. TENNANT

I was not aware of that fact. If there was desertion—

Mr. OUTHWAITE

If I show the right hon. Gentleman letters I have received on the subject, will he take the matter into consideration?