Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether the sentences on certain African gunners of the Sierra Leone Heavy Battery, Royal Artillery, of upwards of 15 years' penal servitude were imposed for failure to attend parade because of dissatisfaction with their conditions of engagement and their rates of pay; and whether he will cause these sentences to be reviewed?
§ Sir V. WarrenderEleven African gunners of the Sierra Leone Heavy Battery, Royal Artillery, were tried by general court-martial for joining in a mutiny and were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. In the case of the ringleader, the sentence was 15 years' penal servitude and discharge with ignominy. The sentences have been reviewed and will continue to be reviewed at intervals of six months.