HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 cc191-2
38. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make public the proceedings of the court of inquiry and the Report on the running of boys' units in the Army which he set up as a result of the death of Private Peter Foden.

Mr. Head

I have now had time to consider the Report on the running of boys' units and the action which we should take to meet its recommendations. I am having this Report, together with our proposals for action, printed, and will very shortly make them available to the House. The court of inquiry proceedings are privileged documents and we cannot, therefore, publish them.

Sir F. Medlicott

Pending the examination of this Report, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether commanding officers of units of this kind are informed of the previous record of the boys who arrive in their battalions?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. We have made arrangements for a much more careful inquiry in the future.