§ 12. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to get a passage for Mrs. Janet Buckley, wife of Driver K. Buckley, T.14050158, H.Q., Coy., R.A.S.C., No. 3, Training Bn., Elles Barracks, Farnborough, Hants, from Haifa to this country, details of which have already been sent to him.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe military authorities in Palestine have been asked to arrange for this soldier's wife to be sent to the United Kingdom. The actual date of her passage will be a matter for the overseas Command.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since I put down this Question, I have been informed by the soldier that he was told by Capt. Hargraves that if he got into touch with me, he would get into very serious trouble; and will the Minister give an assurance that there will be no victimisation of soldiers in that way?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am afraid that I cannot give any assurance until the facts are placed before me—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] In the absence of definite information, it is obviously impossible for me to give any assurance. I want the facts established. If the hon. and gallant Member can establish the facts, he can rest assured that I will not allow that sort of thing to happen.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I interviewed this man personally and made notes of his statement, which I will gladly send to him? Will he give me an asurance that, in the meantime, this soldier will not suffer at the hands of a senior officer for having communicated with his Member of Parliament?
§ Mr. ShinwellAll I can say is that I am astonished to hear that any soldier would suffer in consequence of any statements he made to a Member of Parliament.