HC Deb 11 July 1944 vol 401 cc1552-3
1. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any further statement to make in respect of the arrest as a deserter, on the instruction of the military authorities, of the man who had been directed by the Ministry of Labour to work in a coalmine.

The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 16th May.

Sir H. Williams

As this man did everything that was necessary and disclosed to the Ministry of Labour that he was in War Reserve "W." as he applied to the Record Office, and to the War Office, and had no acknowledgment of any of these communications, can the Minister say why he was arrested when just about to start work in the Kent coalfield, on the instructions of the Ministry of Labour?

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that he did not state the full facts when presenting himself for registration.

Sir H. Williams

In these circumstances, can my right hon. Friend say why he has not answered the letter in which I set forth the full details?

Sir J. Grigg

I will certainly give my hon. Friend the answer, but, in point of fact, the facts as set out are in conflict, and I cannot, whatever answer I give, add very much to my previous answer.

Sir H. Williams

Can I have the original answer?