HC Deb 22 November 1949 vol 470 cc172-4
9. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will review the sentence of 112 days' detention passed on Private Gilbert Edward Watson, Parachute Regiment, for conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline in failing to prepare for action in an aircraft when ordered to do so.

10. Mr. Odey

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration can be given to the possibility of transferring to another regiment Private Gilbert Edward Watson, of the Parachute Regiment, who has been sentenced to 112 days' detention for refusing to jump from an aeroplane.

Mr. Michael Stewart

This sentence will be reviewed by the Command concerned under normal arrangements next month. Private Watson will be transferred out of the Parachute Regiment.

Mr. Blackburn

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is a most unsatisfactory answer; that this soldier, according to the Press reports, asked to be transferred from the Parachute Regiment and said that he did not think he could jump, that he was then ordered into an aircraft and was subsequently ordered to jump and failed to do so? Does not my hon. Friend realise that it is a great honour for anybody to belong to the Parachute Regiment and that if he feels that he has to transfer himself he loses the honour, and that it is absolutely disgraceful for the Government to be responsible in any way for a sentence of detention against a man who refuses to jump?

Mr. Stewart

I have some sympathy for the feeling behind what my hon. Friend has said, but I do not think that he has the story correct by any means. The position is that this soldier was sent on a refresher course—he had previously done work of this kind—and it was made clear to him, as to other men on that course, that he could at any time honourably withdraw from it. But, of course, once he had decided of his own free will to complete the course and was posted to an airborne unit, he was then expected to carry out the ordinary duties of that unit. As I have said, the sentence is subject to review.

Earl Winterton

Is not the procedure which the hon. Gentleman has laid down the normal procedure in these cases? Is it not usual to review a case?

Mr. Stewart

That is so.

Mr. Shurmer

He ought not to have been sentenced.

Mr. Low

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether, in fact, this man asked to be transferred from the Parachute Regiment?

Mr. Stewart

That is not my information.

Air-Commodore Harvey

While the Secretary of State for War is carrying out his tour of the Middle East, will the Minister invite his right hon. Friend to bale out himself and then to review the sentence?

Mr. Shurmer

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is causing great concern and much comment up and down the country, and that the last has not been heard of it? It is most disgraceful that this man should have been sentenced.

Mr. Blackburn

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that even during the war it was not the practice to court-martial soldiers who refused to jump, and that it really seems absolutely stupid to court-martial them now in peacetime when there is no danger to the country?

Mr. Odey

Does not the Minister realise that it is quite clear that Private Watson is not a suitable member of the Parachute Regiment and that it is quite futile to sentence him to 112 days' detention for not carrying out a task for which he is obviously unsuited?

Mr. Stewart

I fully appreciate the opinions expressed in all parts of the House on this matter, but I do not feel that any injustice has been done so far in carrying through the normal procedure where a soldier, for whatever reason, does not fulfil the duty required of him. I shall, of course, convey to my right hon. Friend the feelings expressed by hon. Members in many parts of the House, and I am quite sure that my right hon. Friend will be capable of dealing with this matter with justice and humanity without the advice of the hon. Member opposite.