§ 44. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of desertions from the Air Force in India since January, 1926; how many such deserters have since been arresetd; if L. A. C. Taylor, who was granted 28 days' leave in February last, has been arrested; if the Air Force is satisfied that this man, whose previous character is very good, did in fact desert, and that there can be no question of death or of murder; and, seeing that Taylor is a white man of over six feet in height and proportionately built, and that such a man could not hide himself in a country like India without attracting attention wherever he may go, will he have inquiry made into this case?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)As regards the first three parts of the question, with the exception of the airman referred to, whose case may or may not be one of desertion and who has not yet been found, there has been no desertions from the Air Force in India since the 1st January, 1926. As regards the remaining parts, inquiries are being made of India, and I will communicate the results to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir B. FALLECan the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this man ever reached the city to which he was given leave, and whether a period of six months is a proper time to wait before taking care of a British soldier in a country like India?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot answer the first point without notice. This is the first time my personal attention has been called to the case, and I will at once make inquiry, in response to the hon. and gallant Member's question.