HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 cc1140-1
20. Brigadier Mackeson

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many offences are punishable by death in Germany and Austria; whether British and German civilians are equally liable to be sentenced to death for these offences; and what is the maximum sentence which may be imposed on a British civilian found guilty of stealing goods, the property of the Allied Forces or any member of the Allied Forces,

Mr. J. Hynd

A number of Military Government ordinances give Military Government courts power to pass such penalty, including death, as appears appropriate for offences against the laws of war, the security of the Allied Forces or public order. It is not possible to state how many separate offences are punishable in this way. British and German civilians are equally subject to Military Government ordinances, but British civilians are normally tried under the relevant provision of English law. The maximum sentences which may be imposed on a British civilian guilty of stealing property of the Allied Forces or of a member of the Allied Forces are prescribed by the Larceny Act, 1916.

Mr. Scollan

What would be the penalty if he stole the property of a German?