HC Deb 18 March 1953 vol 513 cc26-8
45. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider extending the amnesty for deserters who served all through the last war and deserted in the following years.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made on 2nd March.

Mr. Hughes

Is not the Prime Minister aware that the present amnesty is unfair to the men who served throughout the war and did not desert until later? Is he aware that I have here a letter from a man who served in Egypt, Italy and France and only deserted in 1947, when the Prime Minister was out of office, presumably doing so as a protest? Will not the Prime Minister show a little human sympathy towards such people?

The Prime Minister

I hope I shall not be accused of lacking in human sympathy if I do not add anything to the answer which I have just given the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not the right hon Gentleman realise the anomalous position which has been created in that men who served throughout the war and rendered excellent service, and against whom no blemish can be imputed, but who deserted after the war are not brought within the ambit of the amnesty, whereas those who deserted during the war and did not render appropriate service come within its scope?

The Prime Minister

When a measure of this kind is taken, there are always a certain number of hard cases which do not fit in. They deserve attentive and patient consideration.

Mr. Shinwell

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does it denote that, in view of this anomalous position, and without his making any commitment at this moment, he will give the matter further consideration?

The Prime Minister

I could say an awful lot in this House if I were given the general guarantee that I was making no definite commitment at the time, but, lacking that guarantee, I should like to see that supplementary question put upon the Order Paper in the ordinary course.

Sir T. Moore

Since this amnesty policy has been decided upon and published, is my right hon. Friend aware that the country warmly supports this generous method of dealing with the problem?

Mr. Langford-Holt

While appreciating that the amnesty is bound to give rise to very difficult anomalies, might I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind when he is considering the matter that there is probably more justification for mercy being shown to those who deserted prior to the war but voluntarily enlisted and gave full service with the Forces during the war?

The Prime Minister

I certainly do not close any door upon the careful and patient consideration of exceptional cases.

46. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether he will announce the result of the consultations between the Service Ministers and the Law Officers relating to the amnesty for deserters.

The Prime Minister

On the legal matters arising from the amnesty, I must refer the hon. Member to the statements made by my right hon. and learned Friends the Attorney-General and the Home Secretary, on 11th March and yesterday. No formal consultations are taking place between the Service Ministers and the Law Officers, but, of course, the decisions announced have been reached after taking account of Service and legal considerations.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

Is not there a special problem of the deserters who applied by mistake, some of whom are under close arrest at the present time? Is the Prime Minister aware that at the present rate we shall never get rid of this wretched hangover of the war period? Will he wipe the slate clean and once and for all cut out the documentation and adjudication of individual cases and let these men fit themselves back into civilian life as best they can?