asked the Secretary of State for War if he intends to take steps to review the present system of punishment for slight offences by men in the Army while overseas, with a view to reducing the severity of the sentences for such offences.

No, Sir. I am not aware that the punishments for such offences are unduly severe. If a summary award appears to the superior authority to be too severe, that authority has the power to remit the whole or part of it. In the case of courts-martial, the confirming authority has power to remit, in whole or in part, or commute the sentence. Further, sentences by courts-martial are reviewed periodically by a superior military authority, who may remit, suspend or commute them. I do not consider that any further safeguard against excessive sentences is required.