§ 10. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Air why 147713 Corporal R. Houghton, due for release on 1st March, 1947, has not yet been demobilised.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerCorporal Houghton was kept in Italy because he was needed as a witness at a court of inquiry. I am glad to tell my hon. Friend, however, that he left Italy for the United Kingdom two days ago and that he will shortly be released.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that it was necessary to delay the release of this corporal, who was one of 15 witnesses at a court of inquiry into an event which took place on 14th January last?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. I have inquired into that, and I am satisfied it was necessary to keep them.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreOn a point of Order. Is not this one of those questions which, in your opinion, Mr. Speaker, might have been better asked by means of a letter to the Minister, rather than by taking up time and wasting money?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is entirely for the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton).