§ 30. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner W. Swinley, of the fourth A.A.M.C. battery, Royal Artillery, stationed at Whittingdon Barracks, Lichfield, Staffs, was killed on the railway near Tamworth station on the morning of 13th February last; that the man was run over by an express train on part of a short cut commonly followed by late entrants to the barracks; and whether he is now able to say, out of ascertained knowledge of the man's movements on the date in question, that his death was purely accidental?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have read of this unfortunate occurrence. The place where Gunner Swinley met his death is five miles from Lichfield Barracks, and is not a short cut commonly used by troops returning to the barracks at night. I am, of course, unable to add anything to the coroner's verdict, of the nature of which the right hon. Gentleman will be aware.
§ Mr. KennedyIs there any evidence to show that this man's death was other than purely accidental?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have said that the right hon. Gentleman would not expect me to add to the evidence which was given before the coroner. The verdict was "Suicide, but insufficient evidence to show the state of the man's mind." I cannot add to that.