HC Deb 05 February 1918 vol 101 c2075
28. Mr. LINDSAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make public the result of the inquiry into the death of Lance-Corporal Quinn, Royal Irish Rifles; and if the claim made by his two sisters, whom he supported, is receiving proper consideration?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As I stated on the 23rd November, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Ireland directed, as the result of the Court of Inquiry, that the officer who appeared to be blameworthy should be tried by court-martial. This has been done, and the officer was acquitted. As regards the last part of the question, this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions.

Major NEWMAN

Is the hon. Gentle. man aware that the sad death of Lance-Corporal Quinn took place last October, and ought not the matter to have been settled by now?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The hon. and gallant Member may remember that there was first of all a Court of Inquiry—and he knows, from military experience, how long that takes—and then subsequently there was a court-martial.