§ 3. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason Company Sergeant-Major Edwards was ordered to return to Burma in the troopship "Lancashire"; how long he remained in Burma; what duties he performed whilst there; and whether he is satisfied that this warrant officer's journey was necessary.
§ Mr. ShinwellThis warrant officer's return to Burma immediately before he was due for reversion to the home establishment was due to an unfortunate oversight, for which I should like to express regret. After his return to Burma, Company Sergeant-Major Edwards did not perform any specific duties and he re-embarked for the United Kingdom to be released from the Service about four days after his arrival in Burma.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this type of thing is constantly occurring not only in his Department but in the other Service Departments, and has he taken any specific action to give some laxity of interpretation of the rules in order that officers and others in charge may perform their duties in a logical way rather than entirely in accordance with the laws and regulations laid down by him?
§ Mr. ShinwellSo far as my own Department is concerned, I hope that the Question and answer will serve to effect a remedy.