HC Deb 13 February 1945 vol 408 cc23-5
42. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the accident on 17th November, 1944, to Private R. Rumsby when a non-commissioned officer threw a bomb into an Army hut where Rumsby was seated, injuring him and making him unconscious for six hours before being taken to hospital; why Rumsby was sent on leave alone, carrying his own kit, on 1st January to Mellis, Suffolk, where he was found four miles from his home at 5.30 a.m. dazed and suffering from exposure; why his parents were not informed when he was transferred to another hospital or that he was being sent on leave; why Rumsby, who was permanently injured, has been ordered to report back to hospital; and whether an official inquiry will be held into the case.

Sir J. Grigg

While there is at present no evidence whatever to support the allegations made in this Question, a court of inquiry is being held into the cause of the accident, and this may throw further light on the matter. The medical aspects of the case are also being further investigated.

Mr. Granville

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is a full and impartial inquiry into the facts contained in this Question, which were supplied by the young soldier's father? Meanwhile, will the right hon. Gentleman see that this young soldier is given proper attention and attendance, to enable him to get back to his medical depot?

Sir J. Grigg

As regards an impartial inquiry, it is almost an insult to ask that an inquiry should be impartial.

Mr. Granville

No, it is not.

Sir J. Grigg

As regards the reference to the facts, they are not yet established as facts. As regards the medical condition of this soldier, my information—which I do not say is fully established yet—is that a medical officer called at his house to find out what condition he was in and, on the last occasion, he was told that the man was out shooting rabbits.

Mr. Granville

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my supplementary question: what arrangements have been made to get this young man back to his medical depot with proper medical attention?

Sir J. Grigg

As I say, the man sent from his home a medical certificate saying he was unfit to go back to his unit. Three attempts have been made to see the man at his home and on each occasion he was out—on the last occasion, as I say, shooting rabbits.

Mr. Granville

In order to enable the right hon. Gentleman to get the relevant and serious facts about this shocking: case, I beg to give notice that I will raise it on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

Sir J. Grigg

May I point out—

Mr. Speaker rose

—

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Only the Prime Minister can do that.