HC Deb 04 May 1943 vol 389 cc16-7
36. Lieut.-Colonel Nield

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers convicted by court-martial in the Middle East and sent to the United Kingdom to serve their sentences have had such sentences suspended and been returned to the Middle East?

Sir J. Grigg

I regret that this information is not readily available.

Lieut.-Colonel Nield

If I give particulars of certain cases, will my right hon. Friend investigate them and disapprove of a course of conduct which, I suggest, causes a waste of shipping space and an embarrassment to the disciplinary authorities in the Middle East?

Sir J. Grigg

I am ready to look at any cases which my hon. and gallant Friend sends me, but I think he will find that the legal requirements of the cases make this necessary.

Mr. Thorne

For what crimes have these men been committed?

Sir J. Grigg

They are serious crimes and usually relate to those involving sentences of penal servitude.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Why waste shipping on criminals?