HC Deb 19 February 1924 vol 169 cc1518-9
39. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in March last Lance-Sergeant G. E. Palim, of the Royal Corps of Signals, received his discharge, after 12 years' service with an exemplary record, and his accounts paid 4o the 31st March; that Mr. Palim, who had obtained civil employment, was arrested seven months later for desertion, subjected to the degradation of being moved about the country in handcuffs, and kept under close arrest for nearly three weeks; that this man, after suffering this public degradation, lost his civil employment, and was then informed that the case against him was quashed; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take to compensate Mr. Palim for the degradation and loss of employment he has suffered?

Mr. WALSH

I am making full enquiries into the question asked by the hon. Gentleman, and if he will be good enough to put it down again next week, I hope to be in a position to give a full reply.

Mr. HANNON

On a point of Order. Is not this a question which could be settled by the War Office without putting it on the Paper and wasting Parliamentary time?

Mr. SPEAKER

I would suggest to hon. Members that questions dealing with individual cases might be sent to the Departments concerned.

Mr. MACPHERSON

On a point of Order. Is not this a question dealing with the liberty of the subject?

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot lay down any rule, but I ask hon. Members to have consideration for their colleagues