§ 7. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Secretary of State for War whether the proceedings of the court martial at Farnborough on 3rd June, 1948, which sentenced Private Trevor Perring to 56 days' detention, have now been confirmed; whether other men involved have been brought to trial; and if he is now in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe proceedings of the court martial which sentenced Private Perring were confirmed on 21st June, 1948, and the sentence suspended on the following day. As three other soldiers are due to be tried today and tomorrow, I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.
§ Mr. EvansDoes not this show a most disquieting state of affairs? Is not this lad subject to victimisation and bullying? Would he not be better out of the Army?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have no evidence of victimisation, and certainly none of bullying.
§ Mr. EvansThis boy was transferred for bringing to light certain practices, and he has taken the rap for it.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not prepared to go into details until these other cases have been tried.