HC Deb 02 April 1946 vol 421 cc1089-90
37. Miss Bacon

asked the Secretary of State for War whose is the final decision in the granting of compassionate leave and compassionate release.

Mr. Bellenģer

Compassionate leave for personnel serving in this country may be granted by commanding officers up to 28 days. Compassionate reversion to the United Kingdom from overseas is decided by the overseas Command concerned. All cases of release on compassionate grounds, whether definite or indefinite, are decided by the War Office.

Miss Bacon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on many occasions hon. Members receive letters saying that although the War Office recommends compassionate release or compassionate leave the final decision rests with the commanding officer on the spot? Now that the war is over and military requirements are not so urgent, would the hon. Gentleman not agree that the granting of compassionate leave and compassionate release ought to be dependent solely upon the degree of compassion shown in the report of those who investigate the circumstances?

Mr. Bellenģer

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. We do not say that all these cases are decided by the commanding officers. What we 'say is, that when the men are overseas it is decided by the commands. It might interest my hon. Friend to know that there are compassionate posting committees, consisting of officers and other ranks, in all commands overseas.

Mr. Marples

In view of the delay which takes place in deciding these cases, would the hon. Gentleman consider setting up some machinery which would expedite the hearing of such cases?

Mr. Bellenģer

I can only say that the War Office have been expediting consideration of these cases very considerably, at any rate in the last few weeks.