HC Deb 28 November 1917 vol 99 c2009
64. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the French Government has issued an order that, in the case of a private being brought before a court-martial, one of the members of the Court shall be a private; and will he take steps for a similar provision to be made in the British Army?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The hon. Member's suggestion would require legislation, and it is not proposed to adopt it.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Will the Government take any steps similar to those taken by the French Government to mitigate the severity of the law and limit the number of executions?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not know exactly what the French Government has done; but I am satisfied that the treatment in connection with courts-martial in this country has always been regarded as satisfactory.