HC Deb 10 July 1963 vol 680 cc1217-8
6. Mr. Morris

asked the Secretary of State for War when the inquiry by the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for War into Major Cory's court-martial was commenced; who was appointed to conduct the inquiry; and whether he will make a statement.

7. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for War if the inquiry now taking place into the case of Major Cory covers both granting Service men the right to bail pending appeal against court-martial decisions and granting compensation to Major Cory.

Mr. Godber

The inquiry was begun on 19th April as soon as the transcript of the judgment of the Court-Martial Appeal Court had become available. The detailed work of the investigation was done by staff of my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor's Department and my Department.

A considerable mass of written material is involved in the inquiry, including the results of further special investigations which have been made in East Africa. The documents are at present being studied by my noble and learned Friend and myself personally. We shall complete this examination as soon as possible, and I will then make a statement to the House.

I am looking simultaneously into the question of compensation for Major Cory.

Mr. Morris

While thanking the Secretary of State for War for his reply, may I ask whether we can have some indication of when the report of the inquiry will be published? Will it be published before the House goes into Recess? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people are concerned as to the whole of the court-martial procedure? In the meantime, is there not a danger of soldiers having to serve a very long period of punishment and of completing it before there is an opportunity to appeal?

Mr. Godber

It is because of the very important issues involved and of the very involved nature of this case that it requires very careful consideration. My noble Friend and I are hoping to get together and discuss it later this week, but he, of course, is very heavily engaged in other matters as well, and we must have time to consider the various aspects of it. I am fully aware of the importance of it, and if it is possible to give a report before the House goes into Recess, that is what I would wish to do.