71. Major Diģbyasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that sick and invalid officers and other ranks in India are having to wait in hospital at Poona up to six months for repatriation to the United Kingdom; what is their movement priority; and what steps he is taking to reduce this delay in repatriation.
Mr. BellenģerSo far as I am aware there has been no such delay as the hon. Member suggests, but if he will send me particulars of any case which he has in mind I will gladly investigate it. If invalids are considered fit to travel by troopship they are normally despatched in the first available vessel, otherwise they are repatriated by hospital ship or ambulance transport. The requirements of India Command for shipping accommodation for invalids are being fully met.
Major DiģbyIs the Minister aware that there have been a number of cases of this kind and that it has been most discouraging to the officers and men concerned who have had to wait long periods before being brought back?
Mr. BellenģerIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will send me particulars of any of these cases, I will have them looked into and will certainly follow up any justifiable complaints.