HC Deb 16 March 1937 vol 321 c1833
27. Lieut.-Colonel Sir William Allen

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, when considering the case of the appeal by Major Sandford, Royal Engineers, Lord Halifax and Lord Hailsham were advised that as Rule of Procedure 21 (b) was not a provision of the Army Act that Rule of Procedure did not apply, and that they acted accordingly; and under what provision of military law the general court-martial on Major Sandford was constituted?

Mr. Cooper

I have nothing to add to the answers which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on this question on 19th May, 23rd June, 30th June and 28th July, 1936; or to the explanations given to my hon. and gallant Friend in letters addressed to him by my predecessor on 15th March, 1935, and by myself on 22nd January and 16th March, 1936.

Sir W. Allen

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the trial of this officer he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and that three majors continued to sit on the court and found him, along with the others, guilty, and will he say why the court was not dissolved according to the Rules?

Mr. Cooper

I and my two predecessors have been in correspondence with my hon. and gallant Friend on this subject for two years, and every point he has raised has been answered. I have written him a letter, which he received either yesterday, or to-day, answering all the points which he has raised on this matter.

Sir W. Allen

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman why he did not refer to this particular point in his letter which I received this morning and for which I am obliged?