§ 76. Lieut.-Colonel HURSTasked the Secretary of State for War and Air 1229 whether he is aware of the forfeiture of gratuity and service imposed under the Army Act, Section 73 (i), upon Private J. Halpin, No. 93,528, late 7th Battalion, Manchester Regiment; whether he is aware that the alleged desertion, to which this soldier confessed, consisting of absenting himself without leave from Heaton Park on 6th September, 1918, until reporting himself 21 days later to his own unit at the front in Flanders; whether he is satisfied that such confession is valid; and whether, having regard to the true facts of the case, he will see his way to extend clemency to this soldier?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR and AIR (Mr. Churchill)I am making inquiries in this case, and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.