Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence:

(1) what representations and discussions he has had on the Irish Government's recent support for a pardon for those soldiers wrongly executed during the First World War as part of the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of the war; [157168] 

(2) if he will make it his policy to consult the Irish Government prior to the anniversary of the start of the First World War on the possible pardon of soldiers who were wrongly executed during the First World War; [157169]

(3) what plans he has to grant pardons to the  soldiers in the British Army  who were executed in the First World War to mark the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of the war. [157442]
 
Mr. Caplin: This matter was fully examined during the detailed review led by my right hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, North and Bellshill (Dr. John Reid), which was completed in 1998, and reported to the House  24 July 1998 Official Report, columns 1372–86. As a result, those who were executed have been recognised as victims of the War. An initial meeting at official level has been held at the request of the Irish Government on the subject of a possible pardon for Irish soldiers executed during the First World War and further contact is expected.