§ 45. Mr. W. T. Proctorasked the Prime Minister if he will recommend the granting of a general amnesty in connection with offences committed by members of His Majesty's Forces during the Second World War.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)No, Sir. In agreement with the late Government I do not think that a general amnesty is an appropriate method of dealing with the small number of persons undergoing imprisonment for offences of the kind described. All sentences awarded by courts-martial are reviewed automatically at short intervals by the competent authority and the fullest weight is given to any compassionate considerations which may arise.
§ Lient.-Colonel LiptonDoes that answer mean that no consideration has been given to the question of deserters who are still liable to penalty? Could not a conditional amnesty be given in cases of that kind?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is not a new issue at all. It has been frequently considered.
§ Mr. E. FernyhoughDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that charity begins at home; and, inasmuch as we have freed Nazi war criminals, might we not give the same consideration to our own people?