§ 24. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that John William Eastwood, late of the 2nd Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, is undergoing a sentence of twelve years' penal servitude for threatening to shoot a lance-corporal in the same regiment, but has been guilty of no disloyalty to his Sovereign, and is willing, if released, to serve his country at the front; and whether, in view of the unconditional release of persons concerned in or 13 associated with the murder of British soldiers in the streets of Dublin, he will order the release of Eastwood?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis soldier was sentenced to penal servitude for attempting to shoot a lance-corporal in the same regiment, and not for threatening to shoot. I regret it is not possible to accede to my hon. Friend's request.
§ Mr. McNEILLDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that it might improve the atmosphere if this man was released?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo; but I think I can say to my hon. Friend that this soldier's sentence will in the near future come up for review.