HC Deb 25 March 1952 vol 498 cc198-9
42. Mr. Douglas Houghton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make a further statement concerning the review of the court-martial sentences on 22331472 Fusilier Taylor and other soldiers in the Northumberland Fusiliers in Korea.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Antony Head)

These court-martial sentences were reviewed on 3rd January, 1952, when the Superior Military Authority directed that the sentences should remain in execution and be reviewed on 31st March, 1952.

Mr. Houghton

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will bring his customary human understanding and sympathy to bear on these cases? Will he do his best to bring to an end the sentences on thoughtless and impulsive young soldiers, who should not continue to be branded as criminals?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. I am quite certain that the local commander-in-chief has that aspect of the matter in mind.

Mr. E. Fernyhough

Does not the Minister think we might extend to these young lads the same generosity and kindness as we have recently extended to many Nazi war criminals?

Mr. Head

I do not think the two matters are connected.

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