HC Deb 15 December 1926 vol 200 cc2919-20
38. Captain WATERHOUSE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an unidentified deaf-and-dumb man, suffering from loss of memory, is at present in hospital at Rotterdam and supposed to be a British soldier; and if any information is available?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

I am aware of the case, but after exhaustive inquiries it has been established beyond all reasonable doubt that, although the man served in the British Army during the War, he is not a. British citizen. Further, the evidence available indicates that. his loss of memory is quite recent, and that this is not a case of the reappearance of a British soldier reported missing during the War.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that some people think that this man may be a relative of theirs, a view which seems to be common up and down the country, causing certain anxiety, could the right hon. Gentleman not get that report circulated in a fairly widespread fashion?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I hope the question asked and the answer given in the House will cause considerable publicity to the case. There have been a great many hopes raised in various people's minds that this man was one of their relatives, and I hope the inquiries that have been now answered will set doubts at rest.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that in Scotland one of the newspapers gave great publicity to this case, and that large numbers of people thought it might be a relative, can the right hon. Gentleman not approach the broadcasting authorities with a view to the information being broadcast over the wireless?

Mr. RAINE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an independent person was in Rotterdam this last week-end, and that, after careful examination of this soldier, he believes that he is a British subject? I can confirm what has been said about the mental anxiety of many women in this country in this connection, from knowledge of such cases in my own constituency.

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

My information, of course, is based on inquiries made through the Foreign Office and the Consul, and so far as I know I have no reason whatever to doubt the information I have given in answer to this question.