HC Deb 26 July 1915 vol 73 cc1977-8W
Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether steps have been taken to ensure that soldiers whose nerves have given way under the strain of active service shall not be unjustly punished; and whether any precautions are taken as regards those who may appear to be constitutionally unfitted to stand such strain?

Mr. TENNANT

In the matter of punishment every consideration is given by the responsible officers to the cases of soldiers whose nerves have given way under the strain of active service conditions, and I may also state that the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force is sending back men who, in his opinion, are unable to stand the strain of active service. The hon. Gentleman will no doubt remember the passing of the Suspension of Sentences Act, 1915.