§ 112. Lieutenant W. Griffithsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will consider the quashing of the sentence of 10 years' imprisonment passed on A.C.I Cymbalist for his part in the recent R.A.F. strikes, in view of the orderly nature of these strikes and of their peaceful settlement.
§ Mr. StracheyAt present I can say no more than that the proceedings of this court-martial are being sent to this country by air, and that when they have been reviewed by the Judge Advocate-General as to their legality, they will be considered by my Noble Friend.
§ 126. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will arrange for a full report of the evidence at the court-martial of Aircraftman Norris Cymbalist, who was recently sentenced to 10 years' penal servitude, to be available to Members of this House.
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§ Mr. StracheyMembers of the public are normally admitted to courts-martial, as to other courts of justice, but it is not the usual practice for the Service Departments to make available outside the Service copies of the proceedings. As I have already informed the House, the proceedings of this court-martial have not yet been received in London, but my Noble Friend does not feel justified in making an exception in this case. Under the Air Force Act, however, any person tried by court-martial has the right to obtain a copy of the proceedings for his own purposes.