HC Deb 18 June 1930 vol 240 cc395-6

The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. OSWALD LEWIS:

42. "To ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that Despatch Rider Bryant, of the 1st Armoured Car Company, Royal Tank Corps, who was murdered by the mob in Peshawar City, on 23rd April, was the main source of support for his two aged parents; and whether any compensation will be payable for his death?"

Mr. BROCKWAY

I wish to raise a point of Order before this question is asked. It will be noticed that the word "murdered" occurs in the question. May I submit, in view of the very serious relations between this country and India, and the fact that an inquiry is still proceeding in this matter, that the word "murdered" ought not to have been permitted in this question?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think it would make very much difference what word was used in this particular connection.

Earl WINTERTON

On that point of Order. May I point out to you that in the official communique of the Government of India the phrase appeared "killed by the mob." If people have been killed or murdered, is not any hon. Member entitled to use the words of the communique and use the word "killed" or "murdered."

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that during the period in which the Black and Tans were being used in Ireland—[HON. MEMBERS: "What has that to do with it?"]—no question was passed at the Table which laid it at the door of the Black and Tans that they were murdering anyone in Ireland?

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps it would be better to use the word "killed."

Mr. LEWIS

In asking this question, may I say that I have no objection to substituting the word "killed" for "murdered."

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Sanders)

I have been asked to reply. My attention had not previously been drawn to this case. While compensation as such is not payable in respect of the death of a soldier, the question whether the parents are eligible for a pension from Army Funds is being investigated.

Mr. LEWIS

Are we to understand that when a soldier, in the course of his duty, is murdered or killed by a mob, the Government do not propose to take any steps at all to see that compensation is paid to the dependants of that man?

Mr. SANDERS

I do not think my answer justifies that contention. I said that while compensation, as such, is not payable in respect of the death of a soldier, the question whether the parents are eligible for a pension from Army Funds is being investigated.

Mr. LEWIS

Am I to understand that no effort is to be made to get compensation—I do not mean from Government funds, but from those responsible for this man's death?

Mr. SANDERS

That is not the question which has been put to me, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question down on the Paper.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Does the same rule not apply in the Royal Warrant in the case of this soldier as would apply if he had been killed in battle?

Mr. SANDERS

I must ask the right hon. Gentleman to put that question down in order that I may give a detailed reply. The House will realise that this is a very special case.

Sir A. POWNALL

It is now nearly two months since this man was killed.

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