HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 cc937-8
9. Lieutenant Herbert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War at what date officers and other ranks who left the United Kingdom in November, 1942, and are now in India Command, will be repatriated.

Mr. Lawson

British Service officers and other ranks who left the United Kingdom in November, 1942, and are now serving in India Command will become eligible for repatriation on grounds of long service overseas in March this year, when they have completed three years four months overseas. Large numbers of those who left this country in November, 1942. will, of course, have been re- patriated before they qualify under the Python scheme because they have become eligible for release.

Lieutenant Hughes

While I thank the Minister for that reply, is he aware that the main point of my Question is not when they become eligible for repatriation, but when, in fact, they will be repatriated? This group would be due for repatriation during this month. The point of the Question is to ask the Minister when, in fact, they will return.

Mr. Lawson

As far as I know, repatriation is up to date, but I want to draw attention to the fact that Indian Army officers are the concern of the India Office and not mine.

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a fairly recent Order which has indicated to the men out there that Python entitlement has been increased to three years, five months; and that there is to be no repatriation during the month of March?

Mr. Lawson

I am not aware of that.