§ 34. Mr. Marloweasked the Secretary of State for War upon what charge Major E. James 133973 is held in arrest at British Army of the Rhine Release 6 Transit Centre; and why no summary of evidence has yet been taken although he has been in arrest for six weeks.
§ Mr. StracheyMajor James was placed in arrest in Germany on 8th February, on four holding charges involving larceny, fraud, forgery and making fraudulent statements. He was recalled to Germany owing to the fact that £150 in an account which he ran, could not be accounted for. A summary of evidence was arranged to take place on 13th February, but had to be postponed as further inquiries brought to light additional apparent irregularities which involved further investigations.
§ Mr. MarloweWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this officer has now been in arrest for some seven weeks, and that no summary of evidence has yet been taken? Will he make inquiries to see whether there is evidence justifying a continual holding in arrest?
§ Mr. StracheyI agree that these delays are unfortunate; we will do our utmost to expedite proceedings.