HC Deb 22 December 1916 vol 88 c1842W
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of soldiers of the British Army executed since the beginning of the present War; the number now imprisoned and interned, respectively, in the United Kingdom; and the approximate number interned or under some form of British or Allied restraint abroad?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No, Sir; I fear that I cannot furnish this information.

Major HAYWARD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government, in considering their promised additional safeguards and standardisation of carrying out field imprisonment No. 1 when it is inflicted will take steps to limit the offences for which it might be inflicted to those of a grave character only?

Mr. MACPHERSON

What is an offence of a grave character is largely a matter of opinion, and in view of the provisions of Sections 44 and 46 of the Army Act I regret I am unable to accede to the request of my hon. and gallant Friend.