HC Deb 07 April 1921 vol 140 cc426-7
13. Major M. WOOD

asked the Chief Secretary whether the 26 cadets who were suspended by General Crozier in connection with the Trim looting are receiving full pay and allowances while awaiting trial; whether they are doing duty; if not, how long have they been receiving pay without doing duty; and whether, either under the Army Act or under the Regulations of the Royal Irish Constabulary, they are in such circumstances entitled to pay?

Mr. HENRY

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the question asked by the hon. Member for the Falls Division on the 9th ultimo and to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Hull Division on the 23rd ultimo.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does that mean that the 26 cadets have not yet been brought to trial?

Mr. HENRY

Yes, because there is no evidence against them.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Have the six cadets who were put back for a field general court-martial because there was evidence against them been brought to trial?

Mr. HENRY

Their trial is coming on very shortly. In that case there is evidence, and they are being tried. In the case of the other cadets there has been no primâ facie case against them up to the present.

Major WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, under the Army Act, if a man is accused his pay is suspended until he is either convicted or acquitted, and why is not that done in this case?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Is it not the fact that these men are not under the Army Act, do not receive Army rations, and feed themselves out of their pay, and if their pay was suspended they would be in a state of starvation?

Mr. MacVEAGH

They feed themselves out of loot.