Service Personnel Executions (World War I)

HC Deb 20 March 1998 vol 308 cc745-6W

Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has receiving concerning a pardon for service personnel executed in the First World War; and if he will make a statement. [35141]

Dr. Reid

I have received a number of written representations and am holding meetings with a number of leading contributors to the debate as part of my ongoing consideration of this matter. It was in this context that, on Wednesday 18 March, I met at my request, two of the foremost experts in the field, Judge Anthony Babington and Julian Putkowski.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to publish his review of the cases involving the execution of soldiers during the First World War; and if he will make a statement. [35401]

Dr. Reid

The review is in progress. No final decisions have yet been taken. I will announce my conclusions when the review is complete.