§ 7. Mr. Bingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 14105099 Private R. J. Harrison, R.A.P.C., was recommended by the Command Interview Board of Western Command on 18th December, 1946, for transfer to the R.A.E.C.; that he subsequently attended the Holly Royde course for R.A.E.C. Instructors from 17th February to 14th March, 1947, and was graded as having outstanding ability as an instructor; that his Department have now refused to transfer this soldier to the R.A.E.C.; and whether he will state the reasons for this refusal.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)Yes, Sir. Owing to the pressure of work in Army Pay Offices due to demobilisation and the introduction of the new Pay Code it was decided that transfers from the Royal Army Pay Corps to the Royal Army Educational Corps would be suspended except in the case of applicants in possession of teaching qualifications. The position will be reviewed again in the next two or three months.
§ Mr. BingDoes not my right hon. Friend think it a great waste of time to send this man on a course in order to be trained for something to which he is prohibited from being transferred?
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir, I do not think it was a waste of time, although it might not have been appropriate to send him just then. I am hoping that it may be possible to utilise his services later on in the R.A.E.C.
§ 17. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Secretary of State for War why 14173500 Private Key, R.A.S.C., who died of tuberculosis on 15th May, 1947, in a Middle East hospital, was refused an X-ray examination prior to his embarkation from this country on 28th April.
§ Mr. BellengerI have called for a report and will write to the hon. Member.