§ 1. Major MILNERasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the date on which Lieutenant Baillie-Stewart was arrested and the date on which he was furnished with formal particulars of the charges on which he was eventually tried?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)This officer was placed in arrest on 20th January. He was aware on that date of the substance of the charge which was to be brought against him. On 24th January he was formally charged with committing an offence under the Official Secrets Acts. On 13th February he was furnished with a preliminary charge sheet, and on the 15th February with a complete charge sheet.
§ Major MILNERDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate that they do these things rather more expeditiously in Russia, and will he see to it that the matter is remedied in future proceedings in this country?
§ Mr. COOPERI do not see how it could have been done more expeditiously. The officer was aware, before he was arrested, of the charge against him, and I think that it is the opposite from what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has suggested.
§ Major MILNERDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that formal particulars were not supplied until almost a month after his arrest?
§ Mr. COOPERThe officer was well aware of them and made no complaint on that score.
§ Mr. McENTEEWill the hon. Gentleman say what time elapsed between the period when the officer was subjected to four hours' cross-examination and the time when he was actually supplied with particulars of the charges against him?
§ Mr. COOPERParticulars of charges against him were, as I said, supplied on a certain date, as I have already stated in my official answer. As to the particular cross-examination to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, he must give me the date of it in order that I may compare it.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDIs it not a fact that not only was the officer charged but he was also provided with counsel by the War Office?
§ Mr. COOPERThat is so.