§ 63. Mr.Quintin Hoggasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a serious casualty occurred to an officer, of whose name and number he has been informed, between 13th and 16th May, 1943, at Sfax, resulting in fractures of legs, patella, ribs and chest and other injuries, but that, by War Office letter dated 8th July, 1943, under reference P/94638/3 (A.G.8.o), the officer's mother was informed that there was no reason to think her son was other than safe and well; and what is the explanation of this?
§ Sir J. GriggI regret that there is no information in this country about this casualty, but particulars are being cabled here, and I will then communicate with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HoggIs this not another illustration of the fact that informal information reaching this country from the Middle East is sometimes quicker and better informed than that going through the War Office, and will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider some recent decisions on that point?
§ Sir J. GriggThere is a Question further down the Order Paper on the latter point. As regards the first part of the Supplementary Question, I think it is an indication that even the most perfect of machines occasionally makes mistakes.