§ 86. Mr. Reevesasked the Secretary of State for War why Maurice William Cox was charged at a Greenwich court for failing to comply with a training notice served upon him under the National Service Act and subsequently charged under the Army Act for being absent without leave.
§ Mr. J. R. H. HutchisonFailure to comply with a training notice is an offence punishable by either a civil court or a court-martial. The first appearance of Gunner Cox before the Greenwich Metropolitan Magistrates' Court was on his apprehension, with a view to his being handed over to the military authorities for trial by court-martial. I understand that the magistrate felt that he should be dealt with by the civil court for the offence of failing to comply with a training notice and remanded the case. On remand, Gunner Cox pleaded guilty to the offence and was dealt with accordingly. He was not subsequently charged under the Army Act with absence without leave, nor will he be charged with that offence.
§ 87. Mr. H. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for War when, and where, a court of inquiry will be held to inquire into the death of 22896797 Craftsman Peter Charles Frederick Huggett; 39W whether arrangements will be made for the parents to be legally represented at the expense of the War Office; and whether he will ensure that one of the matters to be considered at the court of inquiry will be the regimental orders issued concerning armed guard duty.
§ Mr. J. R. H. HutchisonThe court of inquiry into the death of this soldier assembled on 30th November and has completed its investigation. I have written fully to my hon. Friend about this sad accident, and, in particular, about the relevant regimental orders.