HC Deb 08 February 1911 vol 21 cc409-10W
Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in communicating the terms of the King's pardon to the rank and file, care was taken to point out that the pardon carries penalties with it?

Mr. HALDANE

The hon. Member is apparently alluding to the conditions which were attached to the grant of the pardon. These were published in the Special Army Order of 23rd May last, which notified the grant of the pardon.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers who confessed under the terms of the King's pardon were ordered to forfeit all previous service up to date of confession?

Mr. HALDANE

The forfeiture of prior service was one of the conditions of the pardon and was in accordance with the procedure adopted in connection with the pardon granted in 1887. The service so forfeited can be regained by subsequent service for three years without regimental entry, and in cases where the forfeiture has been represented as involving special hardship the soldier's Commanding Officer has power to put forward an application for restoration of service under the latter part of paragraph 273 King's Regulations.