§ 97. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War how many personnel have been punished for indiscipline of all types since the outbreak of the last war; what were the nature of those offences and punishments; and, as some of the punishments were so harsh as to rouse the spirit of revolt rather than result in correction, if he will consider their alteration.
§ Mr. LawsonI regret that the detailed information asked for in the first and second parts of the Question is not available. I cannot accept the statement contained in the last part of the Question. In accordance with the Army Act, power is vested in confirming and reviewing authorities to mitigate, remit, or commute sentences awarded by Courts Martial. In practice sentences are frequently mitigated or commuted, whenever the original sentence appears to have been too severe. So far from being harsh sentences have been, in comparison with those in the 1914–18 War, generally speaking lenient.