Oral Answers to Questions — Armed Forces – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 March 1947.
Mr Philip Piratin
, Stepney Mile End
12:00,
19 March 1947
asked the Minister of Defence, in connection with the 748 men of the three Services who are serving sentences for desertion, how many of these sentences have been decreased subsequent to review; and whether he will give in detail the lengths of sentences being served by these men.
Mr Albert Alexander
, Sheffield, Hillsborough
I regret that this information is not readily available.
Mr Philip Piratin
, Stepney Mile End
Could the Minister make it available in due course, for is he not aware that this is a matter of great importance to 748 men, who feel that they are serving longer sentences merely because they have been caught, while others, who are giving themselves up, are getting reduced sentences?
Mr Albert Alexander
, Sheffield, Hillsborough
What the hon. Member asks for is a detailed return of each of 748 cases, which would take a great deal of time. I have already given an assurance in regard to the regular review of all such sentences.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
