§ MR. J. P. FARRELLTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the fact that Private Collumb, late No. 7275, of the Royal Fusiliers, is now in hospital in New York, United States of America, suffering from a dangerous illness, and now desires to return to Ireland, the War Office will grant him a protecting certificate to cover a charge of desertion which still is against him, and thus enable him to return immediately before his state of health will prevent him from travelling.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) On 20th January a letter was received from this man's father stating that his son was in hospital in New York permanently disabled with spinal curvature and asking for a protecting certificate, the man being a deserter from the Royal Fusiliers since July, 1902. He was informed on 28th January that on receipt of a duly certified statement from the hospital authorities the issue of a protective certificate would be considered. No further communication from the father has reached the War Office.