HC Deb 13 March 1946 vol 420 cc1080-1
5. Mr. Osborne

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when a reply can be expected to the letter of nth January, 1946, sent by the hon. Member for Louth, respecting 1775195 L.A.C. Plant, whose immediate release was requested because his father had a stroke and is unable to work on his farm; since application for the son's release is supported by a doctor's certificate, the W.A.E.C. and the N.F.U., if he will immediately release this man; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the efficiency of his Department in dealing with Members' letters.

Mr. Strachey

As the hon. Member has been informed, we have been able to grant this airman an immediate 28 days' agricultural leave. So he is at work again on his farm. We are ready to consider full compassionate release, but the evidence submitted was insufficient. Delay has been due to the fact that the airman, although matters were explained to him, had not taken any steps to obtain additional evidence.

Mr. Osborne

With regard to the second part of my Question, is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Press keep telling our constituents to write to us about their problems, and it makes Members look fools when they cannot get answers from Ministers in less than 11 weeks?

Mr. Strachey

In this case the delay was due to the fact that the airman himself was a very long time in producing the additional evidence. It is a very difficult case. We cannot get the sponsoring departments to support Class B release, and on the evidence so far submitted there is no valid case for Class C release. I really cannot take responsibility for the delay in this case.

Mr. Osborne

This is not the first question —

Mr. Speaker

Delay in answering letters is being raised on the Adjournment shortly, and we cannot anticipate the Debate by questions now.

11. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when a reply may be expected to a letter from the hon. Member for Shrewsbury, dated 22nd December, 1945, regarding 1350308 Corporal Craston, G. W. E.

Mr. Strachey

This was a case of considerable complexity, since a new ruling which affected the matter had been introduced, But the hon. Member will now have received my letter of 7th March.