§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what terms Private Ian Richard Thain was retained by the Army during his imprisonment, detailing his status and arrangements made regarding his wages.
§ Mr. FreemanWhile in prison Private Thain continued to be a serving soldier, but was not paid his military salary. Nor did his period of imprisonment count as reckonable service towards his term of engagement or his pension.
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§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the solicitor acting on Private Thain's parole was(a) contracted, (b) paid or (c) advised by his Department.
§ Mr. FreemanNo public money was used to meet the cost of Private Thain's solicitor. It is normal practice to give such assistance as necessary to service men in custody; they are entitled to seek legal advice, and their advisors are given such assistance by the services as is deemed necessary. In Private Thain's case, his solicitors were provided with factual and background information concerning his service in the Army.