§ 21. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the present and third sentence on Mr. E. Scott Duckers has been commuted by the Army Council so as to enable him to be released from Maidstone Gaol to 24th November, after serving over eighteen months in different civil and military prisons; whether it is proposed to recall him to the Army again; and, if so, whether he can say what public purpose is likely to be served by the repeated and continuous release and retrial of men who are and have been long before the War opposed on principle to the whole system of militarism?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am unable to say on what date Private Scott Duckers will be due for discharge, as I am unaware of what remission he may have earned whilst in civil prison. In view of the fact that Private Duckers has not been released 367 from military service, the question of his recall does not arise. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I am afraid I can at present add nothing to the general statements which have frequently been made in the. House regarding the treatment of these cases.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEMay I ask whether Mr. Scott Duckers—[HON. MEMBERS: " Private !"]—will be again arrested for the same offence, and again sentenced?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONPrivate Scott Puckers will be arrested if he does not perform his duties.