HC Deb 20 May 1952 vol 501 cc254-6
31. Mr. J. Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for War under what circumstances 18 British soldiers, who missed their boat, the H.M.T. "Devonshire," at Malta, on the way back to the United Kingdom from Korea, have been placed under open arrest in Malta; how long these men have been confined to barracks; how long it is intended that they will remain so confined; what charge is being preferred against them; and when will they be repatriated to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Head

Owing to the failure of a number of men to return in time from shore leave, this troopship had to sail after some delay leaving behind 18 soldiers. All these men were formally charged with absence without leave: 16 are being held in open arrest, and two in close arrest for more serious charges. It will not be possible to dispose of the charges against these 16 men until they return to this country. They are expected to leave Malta on the 28th of this month or soon after. I cannot yet say when the other two men will return.

Mr. Silverman

Surely it is quite obvious that the absence of these men was entirely unintentional, as clearly they wanted to be repatriated? Has there been any provision of facilities to bring these men back to the United Kingdom? They have been kept confined to barracks now for something over four weeks.

Mr. Head

I can assure the hon. Member that these men must come back to this country as quickly as possible, because no charges can be preferred against them as the witnesses concerned are in the ship. Two of these men are also charged with being drunk and striking a superior officer. They were an extreme nuisance to the ship which was delayed for a considerable time, and I think that the hon. Member will agree they deserve to be charged with these offences.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of order. Is it proper for us to discuss a matter which may be the subject of judicial procedure?

Mr. Speaker

No. The general administration of discipline is a proper question, but cases which are sub judice should not be dealt with.

Mr. Shinwell

Without making any reference to the merits or the demerits of the charges against these men, may I ask if it is not somewhat strange that there should have been such a delay in bringing these men back to the United Kingdom? Obviously their cases cannot be dealt with until their documents are all in this country. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for the most part these men have been on extended engagements in the Far East, and many of them have been engaged in war activities? Is not that a reason for exercising at any rate some haste in bringing the men home in order to have their trials expedited?

Mr. Head

We wish to get these men home as quickly as possible, but I think that the right hon. Gentleman would agree that we do not want people in the queue who are waiting to come home displaced by these men.

Mr. Silverman

Is the Minister suggesting that there have been no facilities whatsoever to bring these 18 men home during a period of four weeks? Surely there has been some transport from Malta capable of bringing 18 men home to the United Kingdom? These men have spent about 18 months fighting in Korea. It is not a lot to ask that some facilities should be granted.

Mr. Head

The authorities concerned have made attempts to get the men home as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of others in the queue for coming home. This, they have informed me, they have done.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one case which has come to my notice the wife of one of the men—he has been under open arrest for some time—has not received her allowances? Is not that a rather serious matter?

Mr. Head

If the right hon. Gentleman will give me particulars, I will at once look into it.