HC Deb 04 November 1975 vol 899 cc139-40W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many district court martial centres there are in the United Kingdom;

(2) What is the average sentence passed at each district court martial centre for desertion in 1974, 1973 and 1972, respectively.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Although courts martial are sometimes convened on a district basis there are no centres set aside specifically for courts martial, which are held either where accused persons are stationed or elsewhere, as convenient.

The average sentences passed at courts martial for desertion only—i.e., where no other convictions were involved—were:

1972 200 days
1973 190 days
1974 211 days