§ 13. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for War what are the conditions which determine whether or not the relatives of a soldier injured overseas receive advice of an accident.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe next-of-kin is informed by telegram when a soldier dies, is dangerously or seriously ill, loses an eye, limb, hand or foot, or is missing. The next-of-kin is also informed of any injury resulting from an unusual incident overseas which may receive publicity in the Press. As a temporary measure, all injuries necessitating admission to hospital as a result of rebel activity in Malaya are at present notified to the next-of-kin.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it not a fact that these regulations give rise to considerable anxiety, since a man may be in hospital for months while his parents at home have no idea for what reason he is in 180 Hospital—until he is discharged? Ought not there to be some regulation that some idea should be given why a man is sent to hospital when involved in an accident?
§ Mr. ShinwellI can imagine some anxiety by relatives in this matter, but so far as I know, the regulations work very well.
§ Major Legge-BourkeAre we to understand from the main answer that in cases of unusual incidents overseas a man's relatives are informed only when the matter has been reported in the Press, or only when it is likely to be reported?
§ Mr. ShinwellAs I have said, the next-of-kin are informed of any injury resulting from an incident overseas likely to be mentioned in the Press—that is to say, if something is said about it. We always try to allay the anxiety of relatives by giving them any information we can.
§ Major Legge-BourkeAre we to understand that that is only when the incident has been mentioned in the Press? Ought that not to be done in any case?
§ Mr. ShinwellNot necessarily, but if there is an unusual incident, that is the action we take.