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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Dubs (Labour). It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Monday, 9 January 2006.


First World War: Pardons

Question
Whether they will now consider granting a pardon to the troops serving in the British Armed Forces who were shot for alleged cowardice and desertion during the First World War.
Answer

My Lords, when he was Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Dr John Reid undertook a very careful and thorough review of the execution of soldiers during the First World War. He concluded that, regrettably, so long after the events, the evidence which survives on the individual cases does not provide a sufficient basis for the Secretary of State to recommend a pardon for most, and possibly all, of these men.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
677 c4 
Session
2005-06
Oral question type
Lead
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Related items
Royal Pardons
Wednesday, 25 January 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Armed forces Capital punishment Desertion Prerogative of mercy World War I
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk