HC Deb 03 March 1953 vol 512 cc170-1
15. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Army deserters have taken advantage of the amnesty.

Mr. Head

Up to last week-end, 432 men had reported.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is not this a disappointing response and well below expectations? When are we to have a simple and clear statement tying up all the loose ends in the Prime Minister's statement, a statement which should be available to the general public, who do not always read HANSARD?

Mr. Head

It is hard to estimate how many of these men are at present in this country, but our estimate is about 2,800. They have been coming in steadily, and I think that the figure of 432 will be considerably exceeded. Of course, there are undoubtedly men who have been living under different names and who do not wish to change them, because of the dislocation to their ordinary day-to-day life which would occur.

Mr. Snow

Is it not a fact that many of these men may be abroad? Have steps been taken to publicise the decision about the amnesty?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. I think that the decision has been in the majority of foreign newspapers. We reckon that out of the total unaccounted for, which is some 10,000, quite a large proportion are in Ireland, and I do not think that one would expect them to report.

Sir T. Moore

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the number of letters of appreciation that have been received by, I should imagine, every Member of the House—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Then they do not write to Socialist Members—shows the appreciation which all these unhappy men feel towards Her Majesty's Government for this kind and generous action?