HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 cc849-50
47. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister without Portfolio if he will now reconsider and differentiate the cases of His Majesty's Forces sentenced for crimes of turpitude from those sentenced for Forces offences, during the war and since, by courts martial; and if he will take steps to provide an amnesty in suitable cases, so that as many as possible of those persons may be restored either to the Forces or to civil employment.

Mr. Bellenger

In the Army and Royal Air Force sentences awarded by courts martial are reviewed individually at intervals of not more than six months and all the circumstances of the crimes for which sentence was awarded are considered by the reviewing authority. Sentences by Naval courts are reviewed on receipt in the Admiralty and may also be reviewed at any time on petition by the offender.

It is the policy of the Services to make use of suspension or remission of sentence in order to restore to useful service all those men whose crimes do not necessitate further incarceration. This policy is in the interest both of the Services and of the individual and I do not think that any special action is called for as the present policy is on the lines suggested by my hon and learned Friend.

Mr. Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember the Army (Suspension of Sentences) Act, 1915, which authorised the suspension of sentences of penal servitude and imprisonment passed on soldiers during the 1914–18 war, and in view of the present shortage of manpower, will he take steps to restore as many of these men as possible to industry and to their families?

Mr. Bellenger

I cannot say that I recollect the Act to which my hon. and learned Friend refers—it was passed some time ago—but I will take an opportunity of having a look at it.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that that Act was passed especially to deal with the shortage of manpower during 1914–1918, and would it not be suitable to pass a similar Act now?

Mr. Bellenger

No, Sir, not necessarily.

Mr. Stephen

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Minister without Portfolio the need for considering whether the time has not come for a general amnesty?

Mr. Bellenger

Perhaps my right hon. Friend, during his enforced idleness in hospital, may be able to look at HANSARD and see this Question.

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