HC Deb 05 April 1944 vol 398 cc1998-9
43. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War for what offences the punishment of whipping or caning can be inflicted on West Africans serving in West African regiments; how many offenders have been so punished during the past two years; if he is satisfied the punishment is only inflicted by order of court-martial; and what forms of punishment can be inflicted on West African troops that are not now inflicted in the British Army.

Mr. A. Henderson

Corporal punishment may be awarded to West Africans serving in West African regiments for disgraceful conduct in the face of the enemy, mutiny, sedition, disobedience of the command of a superior officer, neglect to obey general orders, desertion and absence without leave. It may only be awarded by sentence of a court-martial and no case of an illegal award has come to notice. I regret that no figures are available of the number of such sentences but inquiries are being made into this. Apart from corporal punishment, the same punishments are awarded to British as to West African troops but the circumstances involving the award of fines and imprisonment differ to some extent.

Mr. Sorensen

Do I take it that caning or flogging is imposed on black troops in West Africa?

Mr. Henderson

I have said that, following court-martial, it is.

Mr. Sorensen

Has there been any occasion when British troops have been so flogged?

Mr. Henderson

British troops are not flogged.

Mr. Sorensen

Then why is there discrepancy between the treatment of black and white troops?

Mr. Henderson

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that Question down. I have given him a factual reply.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, may I give notice that I will raise this matter again at the earliest opportunity?