HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 cc800-2
27. Lieut-Colonel Marcus Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further information in regard to 19043476 Gunner J. E. O'Leary reported missing in Malaya on 2nd March last.

Mr. Head

I regret that I cannot yet give the hon. and gallant Member any further information. He is aware of the special difficulties of this unfortunate case, and I have now taken steps which. I hope, will very soon settle the case.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by first announcing the death of the soldier, then announcing that he was missing and then not telling the parents the whole truth, the military authorities have unnecessarily caused mental anguish, as well as financial hardship to the unfortunate parents who happen to live in my constituency? Has there been any difference of opinion on the subject of identification between the unit officers and any other parties concerned?

Mr. Head

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that his constituents have my full sympathy in this most un- fortunate case. I have now sent a signal to the authorities concerned so that we may clear it up and be finished with it one way or the other within the next week or so.

28. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 22436199 Trooper E. W. Atkinson, 11. Sycamore Avenue, Greenacres, Oldham, is at present on his way to active foreign service in South-East Asia, is medically of low standard, and is a National Ser- vice soldier; and whether he will review this case.

Mr. Head

The hon. Member will have received a letter from my hon. Friend on this case

Mr. Hale

Yes, but will the right hon. Gentleman check up on the medical records in this case? The parents are concerned about the matter and assert very confidently that the man is quite unfit for foreign service.

Mr. Head

I have been into this case myself and, despite the assertions of the parents, the fact remains that Trooper Atkinson has been passed by the medical boards concerned as fit for active service in Korea, and I should hesitate to overrule my own authorities in this respect on the parents' recommendation

Mr. Hale

Will the right hon Gentleman make further inquiries?

Mr. Head

Yes. Sir.

29. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for War what inquiries were made in respect of the application for compassionate release made by 22436199, Trooper Atkinson, 11, Sycamore Avenue, Greenacres, Oldham, on the grounds of the serious condition of his mother's health and of other circumstances; when the application for compassionate release was received; on what date it was refused; and what medical evidence was obtained.

Mr. Head

I must apologise to the hon. Gentleman for failing to tell him that my answer to Question No. 28 also covered Question No. 29. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to put a supplementary question regarding Question No. 29, he will no doubt do so.

Mr. Hale

Judging by the letter from the Under-Secretary of State, I do not think that Question No. 29 was covered. What I am asking is what consideration was given to the application, what inquiries were made and what evidence was taken. I want to make it quite clear that I appreciate that the commanding officer was put in a very difficult position by the lateness of the application. There is no desire at all to criticise but it really appeared as if no evidence was taken and adequate consideration was not given.

Mr. Head

I can assure the hon. Member that the whole matter was gone into. Trooper Atkinson's mother was visited and it was found, as the hon. Gentleman has said, that she was ill and confined to her bed. Nevertheless, as the hon. Gentle knows, she has two daughters who are now looking after her, one of them whole-time. Although everything possible is done to give exemption on compassionate grounds, in this case, as Mrs. Atkinson has two daughters available to look after her, it is felt that the circumstances are not strong enough for her son to be exempted from service abroad on compassionate grounds.

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