8. Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will say what progress has been made in the provision of shipping for men serving abroad who, though entitled to release and return to their homes, businesses, and families, are detained often in distant countries owing to the want of transport, whereby their own interests and those of the country are seriously prejudiced?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Leslie Wilson)I have been asked to reply. The decision as to what men are to be released from the Army and returned to their homes is a matter for the War Office, but so far as facilities for Overseas Transport are concerned, I do not anticipate any difficulty in making full provision for meeting the requirements of that Department.
§ Colonel WILSONThat question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War, but as regards shipping facilities, I do not anticipate any difficulty in supplying shipping.
Sir F. HALLAnd if the War Department say that the soldiers cannot be repatriated in consequence of the want of tonnage, can we understand that the Shipping Controller can place tonnage at the disposal of the War Office?
§ Colonel WILSONI can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have already given.