§ 28. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make a full statement on the death of a 773 19 years old soldier in the 4th Battalion Border Regiment, 7th Indian Division, S.E.A.C, who died, on or about VJ-Day, 1046, following the disciplinary action of pack drill without recovering consciousness; and whether pack drill has now been abolished in the Indian Army.
§ Mr. BellengerI regret that I am not yet in a position to make a full statement on this case. The court of inquiry proceedings have now been received, but it has been necessary to cable to ALFSEA for certain additional information. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as the investigation is completed. I am informed that there is no such punishment as pack drill in the Indian Army.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now four months since I called attention to this case? Can he give any indication of when we shall have a full report on the matter?
§ Mr. BellengerI cannot give any precise information, but I have asked for this additional information to be sent to me as speedily as possible.