Deserters (Sentences)

Oral Answers to Questions — Armed Forces – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 12 Mawrth 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End 12:00, 12 Mawrth 1947

asked the Minister of Defence how many men in the three Services are serving sentences for desertion; how many of these convictions date from before June, 1945; and, in view of the new policy of the Government towards deserters who have not been traced, if he will take steps to revise these sentences of deserters, in order to bring the policy towards them in line with that towards those who are now surrendering.

Photo of Mr Albert Alexander Mr Albert Alexander , Sheffield, Hillsborough

The number of men serving sentences for desertion is: Royal Navy, 260; Army, 458; and Royal Air Force, 30. As regards the second part of the Question, precise information is not immediately available, but very few, if any, of these sentences date from before June, 1945. The answer to the last part of the Question is that, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd), on 19th February, deserters who surrendered before 22nd January this year are eligible for the same treatment as those who surrendered after that date.

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End

In view of the fact that almost all these sentences were imposed after the war was concluded, would the Minister not give consideration to reducing the sentences in order to bring them into line with action being taken in relation to those offering to return to the Forces after having deserted?

Photo of Mr Albert Alexander Mr Albert Alexander , Sheffield, Hillsborough

I think that Service Ministers have already indicated that those who are sentenced in the ordinary way after apprehension automatically have their sentences reviewed from time to time.

Mrs. Paton:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although these men were promised open arrest there are still cases of close arrest and that there are sentences which are very harsh and excessive? How can we expect men to surrender when they know these facts?

Photo of Mr Albert Alexander Mr Albert Alexander , Sheffield, Hillsborough

From my own knowledge of the sentences I should think they could hardly be considered severe. In many cases where they are fairly heavy they have actually been suspended on immediate review. I think that the deserters still outstanding would do very well to take advantage of the offer before the end of the month.

Photo of Mr John McGovern Mr John McGovern , Glasgow Shettleston

Could the right hon. Gentleman not induce the Government to adopt a more humane policy on this question of deserters, which is a running sore and a continuation of Nazi ideas—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—I know how hon. Members all sympathise with it—to bring all these men back into decent life? Could the right hon. Gentleman not decide to eliminate all sentences imposed after the end of the war on men who deserted previously?

Photo of Mr Albert Alexander Mr Albert Alexander , Sheffield, Hillsborough

There are very strong views held by men still in the Services who have been loyal all the way through, and who are of the opinion that some of these sentences are too lenient.