§ 2.36 p.m.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I rise to ask His Majesty's Government a Question of which I have given private notice—namely, whether they will arrange for a full report of the proceedings of the court-martial which recently tried Private Linsell of the Black Watch in Germany and sentenced him to death to be made available for perusal by placing a copy in the Library of your Lordships' House.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT JOWITT)My Lords, the noble Marquess is well acquainted with the fact, and everybody should know it, that any comment on a case before confirmation would, of course, be quite out of place, since the case is sub judice. I mention that merely because, if I did not, the placing of a copy of the report in the Library of the House might seem to invite comment. I will undertake to do this: I understand that confirmation, or the reverse, will probably take place in the course of next week, and when confirmation—or, again, the reverse—has taken place, I will consult with my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for War to see whether I can arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of this House. The difficulty at the present moment is that there are only two copies: one is with the confirming officer, and the other is now in use at the War Office. I will, 650 however, see whether, with the good will of the Secretary of State for War—which I am sure will be forthcoming—he can arrange the facilities for which I am asked.
I want to add this. I do not want it to be thought that this action should be regarded as a precedent, because if it were asked for in every case a great deal of copying would be involved. But I think this case has certain particular features which make it desirable that I should do what I can. Therefore, without pledging myself Further, I will consult the Secretary of State to see whether I can get his consent to do as the noble Marquess asks.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble and learned Viscount. I am sure that we can leave the matter in his hands to be dealt with as expeditiously as is reasonable.