§ 7. Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will ensure that disciplinary action is taken against commanding officers who fail to deal promptly with applications for compassionate release from the R.A.F.; and what is the normal time elapsing between the unit's receipt of the completed C Class release application form and the decision of his department.
§ Mr. StracheyThe average time before we reach a decision on an application for complete Class C release is one month, as reference has to be made to the Air Ministry before release is granted. Temporary release up to three months may be granted locally, while waiting for a decision on complete release. The necessity of dealing quickly with these cases is emphasised in the regulations, and failure to comply with the regulations would, of course, entail disciplinary action.
§ Lieut.-Colonel SharpIs the Under-Secretary aware of the considerable amount of hardship caused by unnecesary delay in handling these matters? Is he also aware of the fact that some of these applications remain at these levels for periods of over two months, and will he ensure that disciplinary action is taken against commanding officers who infringe these regulations?
§ Mr. StracheyI think we can only take this up on individual cases, but if the hon. and gallant Member will submit these, I will certainly deal with them.
§ Lieut.-Colonel SharpI have done so.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs it often the case that the Air Ministry turn down a recommendation that has been put forward by a commanding officer?
§ Mr. StracheyI really want notice of that question, but I should imagine it is rare.
§ 33. Mr. Callaghanasked the Undersecretary for Air if he will give an immediate answer to the relatives of Corporal 1410403, who requested his presence at home on compassionate leave on 22nd October.
§ Mr. StracheyThe airman concerned is serving in Air Command, South-East Asia. We have referred his case to the Air Commander-in-Chief and have told the airman's mother that the decision reached will be made known to her as soon as possible.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn view of the fact that it is now a month since this request, and that he who gives quickly gives twice, can we have an early decision?
§ Mr. StracheyThe decision will have to be made on the spot.
§ 41. Major Symondsasked the Undersecretary of State for Air at what level in the Service applications for compassionate leave, posting or release can be finally rejected; what standards have been laid down by his Ministry as a guide to those subordinate commanders who have power to reject applications; and if there is any method of appeal against the rejection by an intermediate commander of a compassionate application.
§ Mr. StracheyApplications for compassionate leave or posting can be rejected by the applicant's commanding officer; applications for compassionate release only by an air officer commanding. Great care has been exercised in framing instructions for the guidance of R.A.F. officers. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend extracts from these instructions. Anyone who regards himself as wronged by the rejection of a compassionate application may seek redress under the procedure laid down in King's Regulations.
§ Mr. NicholsonCan the Under-Secretary say what is the right course for a Member of Parliament who has been approached by a constituent whose application for compassionate release has been rejected? What course should I recommend him to take?
§ Mr. StracheyThe course taken by hon. Members is to write to me, which they do at the rate of 200 a day.
§ Mr. NicholsonI was seeking to save the hon. Gentleman some trouble.
Lieut.-Colonel DowerWill the Undersecretary consider increasing the period which can be granted by commanding officers for compassionate leave? That would help considerably.
§ Mr. StracheyI will consider that.