§ Mr. ROSEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information in respect to five young soldiers who were selected as alleged ringleaders of 5,000 men who refused to parade, as a protest against unsatisfactory food conditions, and were sentenced to death but whose sentences were commuted to ten years' penal servitude, which sentences they are now serving in Wandsworth Gaol; and whether, as a result of inquiry, he will take measures to mitigate or annul the penalties imposed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that the soldiers concerned were convicted by court-martial for joining in a mutiny. They were not sentenced to death, but to ten years' penal servitude. On arrival in this country their sentences were reviewed in accordance with the usual practice, and in consequence commuted to two years' detention and noted for further review at the end of six months.