§ 23. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he will review specially the court martial proceedings in the case of 6085733 Private R. Rogers, No. 3 M.P. and D.B., Austria, C.M.F., who, after five years' continuous overseas service and 73 days under close arrest, was sentenced to 18 months' detention for being absent without leave for 25 days and escaping after his confinement in the guard room; and if, in view of the much more lenient sentences awarded by the same military authorities at about the same time for comparable or more serious offences, he will quash or reduce this sentence.
§ Mr. BellengerPrivate Rogers was tried by field general court martial in Austria on 3rd February, and was found guilty of absenting himself without leave from 28th October, 1946, until 21st November, 1946, and, when in arrest, absenting himself without leave from 26th November, 1946, until 27th November, 1946. He was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment with hard labour, but on confirmation this was reduced to 12 months' imprisonment with hard labour. Of this sentence Private Rogers can earn one-third remission. This soldier was 73 days in close arrest before trial, of which 20 days were spent in hospital. He has previously been convicted of absence without leave 27 times, and has convictions for other military offences. His sentence is due for review in Austria in May next, and in view of his record, and the remission of sentence which has already taken place, I am not prepared to consider any further mitigation until the next review.
§ 27. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for War if the Territorial Army and Air Force Association is under obligation to find alternative accommodation for Mr. T. Gray, late caretaker at the Terri- 1061 torial Association Headquarters, North Road, Highgate, who has received notice of eviction from his quarters; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this man being put into the street.
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir. Mr. Gray's employment is being terminated, and he has, therefore, been given notice to quit. I regret that I am not prepared to ask the Association to withdraw the notice, as the quarter is required for a permanent staff instructor.
§ Mr. GammansDo I understand that the Socialist Government are prepared to do what they would, quite rightly, not allow a private landlord to do, and turn a man and his family into the street, without any obligation to provide alternative accommodation for them?
§ Mr. BellengerThe two cases are not comparable. Tenants know the position when they take these quarters. But, at any rate, I have got to house, sometimes, far worse cases that are in the Army, than that of some of those occupying the premises.
§ Mr. GammansBut if this man can get no alternative accommodation, are the Government going to put him and his family into the street?
§ Mr. BellengerI have great sympathy with them; but I have also great sympathy with those who are now in the street and have no place to go to. I have to look after them.