HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 cc196-7
20. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the circumstances of Private W. W. Hill, No. 28807, 7th Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who joined the forces in October, 1915, has served with good record in France till sent to hospital suffering from shell-shock in May, 1917, was then returned without leave to the front, and though he reported sick on 29th July, 1917, was sent into action where he was guilty of an act of desertion, and that it has been conveyed unofficially to his parents that Private Hill was court-martialled and sentenced to a term of penal servitude; why no early and official notice of this was sent to his parents; why was correspondence from his parents from August to October returned to them marked, "In hospital, locality not known"; will he say where Private Hill is at the present time; whether his parents will be allowed to write to or visit him; and, if Private Hill has been court-martialled, whether the usual procedure has been observed in his case?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am making inquiries into this case, and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as I am in a position to do so.