§ 54. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Health why he has refused to recommend the discharge from the Army of Captain Brewis, who is serving overseas in a legal capacity and whose release is urgently needed by the Gloucestershire County Council, of which he is deputy clerk, to relieve the heavy strain upon the officials of the council in consequence of losses through death and illness of responsible members of the staff at a time when the work of the council has considerably increased.
§ Mr. WillinkI have carefully considered the facts of this case but I am satisfied that there is no prospect at the present juncture of securing the release of this officer who is serving overseas, and, in the circumstances, I do not feel justified in putting forward a recommendation.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, for health reasons, this officer is not allowed to take part in any operational duties? Does his answer mean that there is an embargo forbidding Ministers to recommend to the Committee that has been set up that those not engaged in operational duties overseas should be released?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir. There is no such embargo. It is a matter for Ministerial decision. I have heard this suggestion before that those not engaged in operational duties should be released automatically, but the contention does not 359 bear examination. The war could not be carried on without the services of many who are not engaged in operational duties.
§ Mr. LipsonIn view of the way my right hon. and learned Friend is not upholding the interests of local authorities, I will raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.