§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for War if Private John Henderson, No. 043283, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 109th Company, British Army in France, has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment for insolence to an officer; whether one of the witnesses against him has since been promoted; and whether, in view of the previous record of this man, he is prepared to remit the remainder of the sentence?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe offence for which this soldier was convicted was not of a trifling nature, and his record is shown by his conduct sheet to be one long series of minor insubordinations. In the circumstances, no special action can be taken in the case, but the sentence will no doubt be reviewed in accordance with the procedure recently explained to the House. I cannot, of course, at this moment make any promise that part of it will be remitted. The question of the promotion of one of the witnesses has sin bearing whatever on the case, and I cannot accept the implication which appears to be conveyed in the hon. Member's question.