§ 8. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that it is now usual to arrest and bring 1476 to trial by court-martial men who deserted from the Army during the War; and if he will take action in the matter?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI am aware that, under the Army Act, men who deserted during the War are liable to arrest and trial by court-martial, but the normal practice when a case comes to notice is to discharge the soldier without resorting to trial and without withdrawing him from his civil employment. Trial is reserved for serious and special cases. If the hon. Member has any cases in mind which do not appear to be covered by this policy, the particulars—if he will supply them—will receive sympathetic consideration.
§ Mr. THORNEHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman had any talk with the Secretary of State about giving the men in question a free pardon, and, if so, will he tell the House what is the result of that conversation?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe Army-Council have considered this matter, and although they do not wish to proceed against the great majority of cases, they conceive it to be not in the public interest to give up the right of bringing men to court-martial in exceptional cases.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the War Office, through the Press, some time ago asked the men who were deserters to give their names and addresses for the purpose of completing the Army Records of men who served but who were deserters, and at the same time the War Office practically gave its word that if these men came forward they would not be dealt with, and will ho give a guarantee that that appeal will not be used against men for the purpose of arresting them?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThat only bears out what I say, that in the vast majority of cases no legal proceedings are taken whatever.