HC Deb 28 July 1942 vol 382 cc306-7
31 and 32. Mr. Barr

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) under what authority a soldier, who refuses to obey an order to put on uniform, is forcibly dressed;

(2) whether he is aware of the forcible dressing and ill-treatment of No. 10601407, Trooper A. Russell, at a camp in Scotland of which he has been informed; whether he is aware that this treatment was repeated daily; that this man's wife complained to the general officer commanding over two months ago and has since received no other information than an acknowledgement promising investigation and later her husband's torn civilian clothes; what investigations have been made; and what disciplinary action has been taken?

Sir J. Grigg

There is no authority for dressing a soldier forcibly. In the case of Trooper Russell, it has been pointed out to those concerned that the action taken was wrong, but I am satisfied that it was taken in good faith and do not therefore propose to take disciplinary action.