§ 4. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence how many eligible applications have now been received for protection certificates under the terms of the Coronation amnesty for deserters; and how many protection certificates have been issued to date.
§ Mr. BirchUp to 25th April, 1,663 eligible applications had been received for protection certificates under the amnesty. Protection certificates will be issued within the next fortnight.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs it not deplorable that these men who have applied for an amnesty should be kept waiting so long? Quite a number of them think they are going to be prosecuted, and will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that these protection certificates will be issued within the next week or so?
§ Mr. BirchMy answer says that we hope they will be issued within the next fortnight. The hon. and gallant Gentleman realises, no doubt, that these men have waited some time before now.
§ 5. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence how many protection certificates have been issued to deserters resident in Eire; and to which army or other Reserve these applicants have been posted.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhat is the good of posting these residents of Eire on Class Z or other equivalent Reserves when, if an emergency breaks out, it will be quite impossible to enforce the call-up notice?
§ Mr. BirchIt will be impossible if they are in Eire, but I see no particular reason why such men should be in a privileged position.