HC Deb 27 February 1945 vol 408 cc1218-9
26. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case of the two A.T.S. personnel who were reproved by their commanding officer because they had communicated with their Members of Parliament; and will he make it clear to all commanding officers that military personnel are entitled to communicate with their Members.

Sir J. Grigg

From the inquiries I have made, it seems that nothing was said or done to these auxiliaries other than to explain to them the ordinary channels which are provided for redress of grievances. On the general question raised by my hon. Friend, I cannot do better than refer to the very full answer given on 10th December, 1940, to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Sir G. Mander) which, for the convenience of hon. Members, I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I should like to emphasise once more the importance of men—and women too—taking up their problems through the channels specifically provided for them in the Army. Much time is wasted and nothing gained by those who do not put their applications, for example for compassionate leave, to their commanding officers in the first place and I very much hope that hon. Members will help in this matter.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in this case, these two A.T.S. personnel have been trying to get overseas for 18 months, and have made every kind of application, and that a sergeant told my secretary the other day that they had been properly told off for writing to me?

Sir J. Grigg

"Properly told off" covers a multitude of rebukes, and it does not seem to me to be a very serious matter.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not rather hard lines that these girls, who want to go overseas, cannot go, while others, who do not want to go, are being sent?

Sir J. Grigg

Hitherto there has been no requirement for overseas for girls of that particular class. That is subject to reconsideration, and they may get a chance.

Following is the answer referred to: Mr. EDEN: I am most anxious that soldiers' grievances should be fairly and expeditiously considered, since it is of great importance to the discipline and contentment of the Army. Long delay is, however, generally inevitable if soldiers tail to observe the procedure laid down in King's Regulations, paragraph 530, for obtaining redress of their grievances. Members of Parliament who receive complaints from soldiers can only write to my Department, which registers and acknowledges the letter, and forwards the complaint for investigation. The letter then goes down through the chain of command to the unit concerned, and returns after investigation through the same channels. All this delay and extra work is saved, with real advantage to the soldier himself, by his making his complaint to his commanding officer. It will also be realised that a commanding officer is placed in an unsatisfactory position if the first intimation of a complaint from one of his men come9 from higher authority. The procedure for the redress of complaints is, therefore, stated in King's Regulations, paragraph 530, and in Sections 42 and 43 of the Army Act, which is annually approved by Parliament. I am anxious that King's Regulations, paragraph 530, and the appropriate Sections of the Army Act, should be generally known and respected, because it is of vital importance in war that Soldiers should have confidence in their commanders, and also that there should be no sense of unfairness between one soldier and another. Soldiers learn to trust their commanders if complaints are promptly and sympathetically considered; but it must be clear to them that all complaints are treated impartially, and that no soldier can obtain preferential treatment over another because he has political or social influence. The attention of all commanders is, therefore, drawn to the fundamental importance of their responsibilities under Section 43. On the political side, Members of Parliament can do much for the welfare of the Army by encouraging action in accordance with Section 43 of the Army Act, which they themselves have approved, when complaints are addressed to them. I would add that I should be grateful for information regarding any case in which the Section has not been Scrupulously observed by the officers responsible for hearing complaints, and will have it investigated.