§ 31. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement about the circumstances in which a German boy, Andreas Naterski, met his death by shooting at the hands of Captain Colin R. Park, of the Black Watch and Lieutenant John Armstrong of the 11th Hussars, who are serving officers in the British zone of Germany.
§ Mr. BellengerThe two officers concerned were tried by court martial on 6th October but as the proceedings have not yet been confirmed and promulgated I am unable at present to make a full statement.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs the Minister aware that the only excuse which these 1462 officers have so far made is that they had been drinking—that is their only excuse for this shocking crime—and will he endeavour to see that at least the punishment fits the crime?
§ Mr. BellengerIf such are the facts, then I must say that it is most regrettable, but I would prefer to inform myself fully of all the facts before I give an answer.