§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average term of military detention imposed on service men found guilty of being absent without leave over the last five years.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThis information could not be produced without disproportionate effort. Each case is considered individually. The length of detention varies from a few days to two years, depends on a number of factors, including the length of absence, whether or not the absentee surrendered or was arrested, and whether or not he had a record of any previous convictions.
Consideration is also given to any mitigating circumstances of a compassionate nature and to the length of time the accused may have spent in custody awaiting trial.