§ 46. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Minister, how many deserters from all three Services are now at large who have been absent from their units for nine months or more; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with this situation.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The figures are, for the Royal Navy, about 1,500, the Army, about 17,000, and, for the Royal Air Force, 284. As soon as a member of the Forces is declared illegally absent, everything possible is already done to trace and apprehend him. There are no other steps that can usefully be taken.
§ Mr. WyattIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are strong grounds for supposing that many of the burglaries which are now taking place are caused by these people? Further, is he aware that an amnesty has been granted to deserters in Canada, and will he not consider taking a similar step here?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that exactly follows:
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWill my right hon. Friend consider a form of amnesty conditional upon these deserters voluntarily coming forward to complete their term of service?
§ The Prime MinisterI would like to see that question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. David RentonCan the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of these deserters went absent while serving overseas, and are still believed to be there?
§ The Prime MinisterNot without notice.