§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the most recent representations he has received in relation to soldiers executed in the first world war. [138605]
§ Mr. SpellarA number of representations have been received recently from those seeking pardons for soldiers executed during the First World War. This subject and all the case files held in this country were carefully considered during the Review whose outcome was announced on 24 July 1998,Official Report, columns 1372–86. As a result of this, those who were executed are now recognised as victims of a terrible war, the stigma of execution has been lifted and, as public recognition of this, those responsible have been asked to add these men's names to War Memorials and Books of Remembrance throughout the country.