§ 20. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give a reply to a question posed to him on 7th November in regard to the case of 184185 W/Corporal R. F. Holmes whose home adddess is Sunning-well, Berkshire.
§ Sir J. GriggThis man was discharged from hospital on 11th July with orders to report to a reinforcement holding unit. He disregarded these instructions and rejoined his old unit direct. The holding unit, of course, knew nothing of this and after 21 days took the normal action to deal with the man as a deserter. The man's unit was certainly somewhat dilatory in reporting that he had rejoined them, but if he had obeyed his orders when he left hospital the trouble would have been avoided.
§ Sir R. GlynCan steps be taken to see that in such cases uniformed police do not visit a man's home, and thus cause local scandal?
§ Sir J. GriggIf my hon. Friend is referring to military police, they have to wear a uniform, because they have no civilian clothes.
§ Sir R. GlynI was referring to civil police.