§ 18. Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary of State for War the procedure adopted in deciding claims for compassionate leave made by serving personnel in India.
§ Sir J. GriggIf there are strong compassionate grounds for an officer or other rank of the British Army to return to this country from India, the facts of the individual case should be brought before the War Office by the man's relatives in this country, or before the military authorities in India by the man himself The final decision in either case rests with the military authorities in India, who must, of course, take into account the military situation.
§ Mr. BurkeWhy does it so frequently take abnormally long for a decision to be given? Obviously, these cases are urgent, yet some take nine months to decide.
§ Sir J. GriggThere are certain difficulties about communication with India, as the hon. Member knows; but if he has a specific case or cases which seem to him to have been unduly delayed, perhaps he will bring them to my notice.
§ Mr. BurkeThere are in the right hon. Gentleman's Department now particulars of a case on which, after nine months, no decision has been reached.
§ Sir J. GriggPerhaps the hon. Member will remind me of that case.
§ Mr. T. BrownCan the right hon Gentleman not speed up these cases, which are reported to him from time to time and on which, after nine or ten months, there is no definite decision?
§ Sir J. GriggI will certainly do my best, but, as I said, the final decision is with the authorities in India.