HC Deb 21 November 1916 vol 87 cc1202-3
38. Sir E. CORNWALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he or the Army Council has authorised any general holding an important home-service military command in the Colchester district to arrest and keep in close confinement for nearly two months and in constant charge and sight of a warder a major in the Army upon the suspicion of having committed an offence against Army Regulations in connection with the keeping of accounts, but without making any definite charge or bringing the officer to trial by court-martial or otherwise; and under what part of Section 45 of the Army Act or any other Act of Parliament mere suspicion of an offence enables any military authority to take away the liberty of a British subject for an indefinite period without trial?

Mr. FORSTER

I cannot find that any case which answers to the somewhat general description contained in my hon. Friend's question has been brought to the notice of the Army Council, but as it is apparently suggested that there has been some illegality or irregularity, I shall be happy to make inquiry if he will furnish me with the necessary information.

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