Mr. N. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 14568413 Private A. Boardman, of the York and Lancaster Regiment, is serving in Italy a four years' sentence on a charge of one day's desertion, and that this sentence will debar the man till January, 1947, from resuming his interrupted apprenticeship to toolmaking; and whether, since the end of hostilities deprives the punishment of its deterrent value and in view of the distress caused to his relatives, he will grant an amnesty in this and like cases.
§ Mr. LawsonI am aware of this case. In view of the circumstances in which the offence was committed the sentence of the Field General Court-Martial was not un-962W duly severe. No general amnesty is contemplated, but all sentences are reviewed at regular intervals by the superior authority concerned and they are suspended as soon as may be justified by the circumstances of the case and the conduct of the soldier. In view of the end of the war I have arranged for increased leniency in these reviews. Private Board-man's case will be reviewed as soon as possible. If and when his sentence is suspended he will become eligible for release from the Army under the Release Scheme.