HC Deb 13 February 1945 vol 408 cc21-2
37. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for War in what number of cases returned "other ranks" prisoners of war have been required to satisfy the Army Act conditions that these men prove they are not guilty of desertion, or other offence in a similar category.

Sir J. Grigg

My hon. Friend is misinformed about the position. No prisoner of war on repatriation is required to undergo inquiry as to the circumstances of his capture unless a report was made by his officer commanding unit, at the time of his capture, that he was taken prisoner of war under doubtful circumstances which require further investigation.

Mr. MacMillan

Is it not still a part of the Army Act that "other ranks" taken prisoner are assumed, until they are cleared of the charge of having deserted, to be guilty, and could they not be exonerated from that charge?

Sir J. Grigg

There is no stigma necessarily attached to them, and there is no discrimination in favour of the officer as against the soldier. No "other rank" prisoner of war, on repatriation, is examined as to the circumstances of his capture unless his officer reports at the time of his capture that it took place under doubtful circumstances.

Mr. MacMillan

While I accept this statement that in practice such is the case, is the Minister not aware that in theory this still remains in the Army Act, and that it is regarded as a piece of outmoded social snobbery?

Sir J. Grigg

How can there be social snobbery when, in fact, there is no discrimination against the soldier?

Mr. MacMillan

Is it not a fact that, in law, it is still in the Army Act? That is the point. Will the Minister cease using words which are not necessary?

Sir J. Grigg

There is no discrimination, either in law or in fact, 'between the actual treatment of officers and other ranks; in fact, I would say that the position of officers in law is, naturally, more severe than that of other ranks.