§ 35. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Rugby, dated 19th January, dealing the case of Mr. W. P. Fletcher.
§ Sir J. GriggI am sorry it has taken so long to deal with this case, but I hope to be able to answer the hon. Member's letter in a very few days. I should perhaps take this opportunity to warn hon. Members that the volume of correspondence which reaches the War Office, particularly about individual cases, has increased to such an extent in the last few months that some of the branches concerned have been swamped. Their staff has been increased, but, with the present acute shortage, these increases cannot be unlimited. Much as I regret it, considerable delay in dealing with the correspondence is inevitable, and the more deserving cases are unfortunately subject to this delay along with the less deserving ones.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Minister aware that the prolonged delay on this case and other cases has induced in the hon. Member for Rugby a profound, deep and intense irritation, and will he take steps to see, in his own interests, that that irritation is not deepened?
§ Sir J. GriggI am afraid that what cannot be cured must be endured.
§ Mr. Vernon BartlettCould the Minister suggest what measures could be taken by Members of Parliament when they receive these individual cases if they are not to send them to his Department, and is he further aware that a great number of cases do not get a reply for weeks and weeks?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is the point I was dealing with. I could not, without notice, give a complete list of remedies, but one very good one, in a large number of appropriate cases, is to suggest to the man that he should go first to his commanding officer.
§ Mr. BowlesIs it not the duty of the Parliamentary Secretary?
§ Mr. PrittIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, on the whole, I get my replies fairly promptly, but that I am not always satisfied with the substance?
§ Sir J. GriggI have noticed that.