HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc2176-8
Mr. Gallacher

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 10 soldiers have been arrested arising out of a demonstration against the slowing down of demobilisation at a R.E.M.E. camp at Tel-el-Kebir; whether he will state what process of selection was used to pick out the 10 who are charged, from the several thousand who took part in the demonstration; what special measures, if any, were taken to get statements from these soldiers, and what arrangements have been made for their court martial, and for providing them with adequate defence.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

I am aware that 14 non-commissioned officers, including some from the camp at Tel-el-Kebir, are under arrest awaiting trial in connection with recent disturbances. These men were arrested because of their particular complicity in the disturbances, and I have no doubt that the activities of each individual will be made clear at the forthcoming trial. As, however, the matter is sub judice, I obviously cannot make a further statement. I am not aware of any unusual means being used to obtain statements, but I have ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations which the hon. Member has referred to me. I am awaiting details of the arrangements made for the defence of the accused which, I am sure, will be adequate.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that there is an allegation from many sources that these men were interviewed while under close arrest, individually, and that each man was told that the evidence given by his friends against him would entitle him to 10 years' imprisonment unless he made a statement on the part he and they had taken in the affair? Will he have a full inquiry made into this, and see that these men get adequate defence when they come before the court martial?

Mr. Bellenger

The hon. Member has certainly made those allegations in a letter to me, and, as I said in my original answer, I am having them investigated. As regards the latter part of his question, I am doing my best to get them adequately defended.

Lieut.-Colonel Kingsmill

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is time that hon. Members in all parts of the House should support the course of discipline in the Forces, rather than automatically consider that men who do wrong are in the right?

Mr. Bellenger

The trial has to take its normal course, and I think it would be very unwise and unfair for me to make any further comment on that point.