§ Mr. T. RICHARDSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of Section 17 of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces Act, 1915, and Section 54 (1) (d) of the Army Act, is it the practice that the death penalty pronounced by court-martial on a New Zealand soldier in France is only given effect to after confirmation by the Commander-in-Chief; if so, whether certain New Zealand conscientious objectors who have been taken to France are liable to the death penalty; and will instructions be given to the Commander-in-Chief not to confirm such sentence if pronounced on these men?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo soldier in France who is sentenced to death suffers that penalty until the sentence has been confirmed by the Commander-in-Chief. I am informed that no men recognised as1660W consoientious objectors by the New Zealand Government have been sent to France. The last part of the question does not, therefore arise.