HC Deb 18 February 1941 vol 369 cc11-2
19. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the "Dunera" court of inquiry, whether, in view of the interest taken in the matter, not only in this country, but in Australia,' he will see that this court is held in public and that evidence be taken and the injured parties represented?

Captain Margesson

As my right hon. Friend is aware, preliminary investigations are in progress. But the last party of the officers and men concerned did not return to this country until last Sunday, and, as there is a considerable number to be examined, it will be some days before the investigations are completed. As soon as that has been done, the Court of Inquiry will be set up. It will take evidence, but it will not be held in public.

Mr. Wedgwood

Before the terms of reference and the composition of the court of inquiry are fixed, will this House have an opportunity of discussing the matter, in order that the country at large may feel satisfied about it?

Captain Margesson

I do not really think that that is necessary. The question would imply that the War Office, and myself in particular, have something to hide in this matter. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman and the House that that is not so. I am most anxious to get at the root of this matter and to find out what has been happening, and the first thing to do is to have a court of inquiry set up to investigate. I have given the assurance that that will be done, and the terms of reference will be sufficiently wide to ensure that the full facts can be brought out.

Mr. Wedgwood

What I want to be clear about is that the court will be able to deal with the reparation of the victim as well as the punishment of the guilty. The reparation of the victim is really almost more important.

Captain Margesson

I think we must deal with first things first. The first thing is to get at the facts, and that, I have given an assurance to the House, I am going to do. I have told the House that the last batch of these people arrived in this country only on Sunday. Investigations have already started, and the very moment they are complete I will set up a court of inquiry.

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman communicate the decision of the court to the House?

Captain Margesson

Most certainly the House will be informed.

Mr. Wedgwood

Will the House be able to debate the court of inquiry?

Mr. Speaker

rose —

Mr. Wedgwood

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.