§ Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider reviewing sentences for desertion which involve forfeiture of all previous service, with particular reference to regulars who had nearly completed their engagement at the time of deserting.
§ Mr. BellengerAll sentences by courts-martial, whatever the offence, are reviewed at least every six months, but I am not prepared to alter the present rules for restoration of forfeited service for Regular soldiers who desert during their original period of colour service. Such men are in a different category from the non-Regular or the Regular who but for the war would normally have been in the Reserve. A Regular soldier who deserts before completing his colour service may be considered for restoration of his forfeited service after three years.