§ 6. Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War what action was taken by the brigadier after the telephone message from the hon. Member for South Croydon, in respect of the bombed site, from which two dead bodies were recovered within 24 hours of the telephone message referred to?
§ Captain MargessonOn receipt of the telephone message to which my hon. Friend refers, the brigadier concerned immediately instructed the officer responsible for liaison with the civil authorities to investigate the matter. The latter communicated with the representatives of the City Engineer's Department, who were responsible for all work on the site, and was informed by them that the military working parties were dismissed at about 4 p.m. as it was considered that their assistance was no longer required. They also expressed themselves as completely satisfied with the work carried out by these men.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDo I understand that these men were dismissed just one hour after the next corpse was taken out?
§ Captain MargessonI must make it perfectly clear that these soldiers were not working under military direction, but under the orders of the city engineer.