HC Deb 23 June 1942 vol 380 cc1794-5
16. Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of an officer convicted of stealing War Department petrol, and sentenced by general court-martial, to be dismissed from His Majesty's service, which was confirmed, and at once reduced to a severe reprimand; and, to prevent injustice, whether he will reconsider in the light of this case, that of the Streatham non-commissioned officer in the same unit convicted of a similar, but lesser, offence at about the same time, who was put under close arrest for 21 days prior to court-martial, and thereafter reduced to the ranks, and compelled to serve a sentence of three months in detention barracks?

Sir J. Grigg

Both these cases were tried by court-martial, and the sentence in each case was reviewed by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command. I do not feel that I should be justified in interfering with the decisions of the competent military authorities.

Mr. Robertson

Is there not something wrong with a system which punishes the corporal so severely and lets the officer off so lightly?

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. Member is assuming that the circumstances were the same in each case. So far as I can judge, and certainly so far as the responsible authorities have judged, the circumstances were not parallel.

Mr. Ammon

But does not this case bear out the contention that there is a caste system in the Army?

Sir J. Grigg

Certainly not.

Mr. Robertson

In view of the gravity of this matter, I give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

23. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information about Private P. Davis who received 28 days' detention for taking some steak-and-kidney-pudding that he was entitled to; and whether he will make inquiries about the matter with a view of having the punishment remitted?

Sir J. Grigg

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Private Davis was not entitled to the tins of food which were found in his possession. I am not prepared to interfere with the sentence.