§ Mr. FREDERICK ROBERTSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a petition from the Mayor and citizens of the Borough of West Bromwich praying for the release from prison of Private S. P. Pritchard; whether any consideration has yet been given to the same: and whether, in view of the extenuating circumstances, the release of Pritchard can now be granted?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA petition for the release of this man has been received and carefully considered, but I regret that the request cannot be granted. Pritchard was one of the ringleaders of a most serious mutiny, to quell which it was necessary to call in armed troops. Not only did he take a leading part in the mutiny, for which he was sentenced to death, but he had just previously been 1713W convicted of wilful defiance of authority. His Army record is one of gross insubordination. The case was reviewed last year, and Pritchard was informed that, provided his conduct in prison was satisfactory, the sentence would be remitted in 1923. I have since given directions that his case shall again be reviewed in March, 1922. I am afraid the case is too serious for any greater leniency.