§ Mr. LYLEasked the Secretary of State for War how many cases there are of men who, having disappeared in the War, were posted as deserter, but who have never been heard of since, either by their friends or relatives: whether the War Office assume that the onus of proving that the men were not deserters must rest on the relatives: and whether, since on the contrary the onus of proving that they were deserters should rest on the War Office, he will see whether these cases can be treated on different and more generous lines?
§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Secretary of State for War how many men who disappeared in the War, and who have never been heard of have been classed as deserters, and pensions refused to their widows or dependants and since, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it would be fair to assume that these men lost their lives in some unknown way, what steps are taken to ensure that all such cases and sympathetically reviewed?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am unable to give the figures asked for, but I would point out that no man is presumed to be guilty of he serious crime of desertion without[...]idence to that effect. A Court of Inquiry is held, the witnesses are examined on oath, and the onus of proof rests with the authorities. In general, therefore, I do not think that men, who should have been classified as missing and their death presumed have been treated as deserters but if my hon. Friends have any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad if they will furnish me with any facts regarding them which they think may not have been already considered. In such cases the War Office is always ready to consider new evidence, with a view to rectifying any previous mistake.