§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the remarks of Mr. Justice Hilbery, at Chester Assizes, regarding the unsatisfactory 254W methods employed by the Army in producing evidence as to the character of accused men; and if he has any statement to make.
§ Sir J. GriggWhen a soldier is charged with an offence before Assizes or Quarter Sessions an officer is detailed to attend the trial and watch the proceedings, in accordance with paragraph 599 King's Regulations. The officer so attending is required to take with him all information in his possession as to the soldier's character, in case he may be required by the court to furnish such information. Where the unit to which the accused belongs is quartered near the place of trial, the Regulation requires an officer having personal knowledge of the accused to be detailed, if such an officer is available. If the prosecution takes place at a distance, it is usual for an officer belonging to some unit near the place of trial to be sent. In the case referred to in the Question, the unit to which the accused belongs was over zoo miles from the place of trial, and the local military authorities do not appear to have gone outside the discretion given to them in the Regulation referred to in sending to watch the proceedings an officer who had no personal knowledge of the accused. I am making inquiries into the precise circumstances in which the evidence of the officer who attended the trial was disallowed.