HC Deb 02 April 1946 vol 421 cc1077-8
3. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a report on the mutiny among H.C.T. troops in Palestine during November; what was the cause of the mutiny; what action was taken; why airborne troops fired over too rounds at the sentenced men while in gaol on the occasion of the court-martial sentence being made public, four men being killed and a number wounded: and if, in view of the magnificent war record of the Basuto Company concerned, he will consider cancelling the sentences of six and nine months' imprisonment imposed on the men and return the men to their homes forthwith.

Mr. Lawson

I have called for a report and as soon as it is received I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman asking the House to believe that he knows nothing about the matter? A number of British native troops were shot in November last and this is April; is the right hon. Gentleman really asking us to believe that?

Mr. Lawson

All I can say is that I have no detailed report to hand.

Earl Winterton

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department or the Colonial Office is responsible for the welfare of these men, and will he make that plain to the House?

Mr. Lawson

I could not say at the moment; I have no report.

Mr. H. Hynd

Could my right hon. Friend explain for the more ignorant section of the House what "H.C.T." troops are?

Mr. Lawson

The initials stand for "High Commission Territories."

Mr. Stewart

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the gravity of the facts I have alleged on the best testimony, he will consider setting up a special public inquiry to look into the matter?

Mr. Lawson

It has been suggested that it is possible that another Department has received this report. I do not know, but I have no detailed report at the moment. I have called for a report and, as soon as I receive it, I will make a decision.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any court-martial has taken place.?

Mr. Lawson

Yes, a court-martial did take place.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Has not the right hon. Gentleman any report of the court-martial's findings?

Mr. Stewart

In view of the very unsatisfactory reply, I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider the very grave accusation made, and I take this opportunity of stating that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.