HC Deb 02 November 1954 vol 532 cc195-6
27. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for War what applications were received, other than from the hon. Member for Northfield, for the repatriation of 22971062 D. Hughes, on the grounds of his mother's serious illness; why previous applications were not dealt with; and whether he will in the circumstances have this man brought home by air.

Mr. Head

Private Hughes himself applied to his unit. This application was dealt with but the evidence available did not then justify immediate leave. As a result of later medical advice, I have arranged for this soldier to be brought home, and he will come by air.

Mr. Chapman

I am much obliged. But was not an application also made by the lady almoner at the Selly Oak Hospital a long time ago and disregarded by the War Office?

Mr. Head

When these applications are made, we ask for medical advice as to whether the case is justified for compassionate or other reasons, and we have to take that medical advice. A deterioration in the condition now justifies the turn which has taken place.

28. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in the case of a Royal Army Medical Corps corporal, about whom the hon. Member for Northfield has had correspondence and interviews with him, he maintained his refusal to cancel an overseas posting, requested on the grounds of the mother's illness following the recent death of her husband, until the mother was admitted to a mental hospital as a result of receiving the final refusal.

Mr. Head

When representations were made, the case was most carefully investigated but the medical opinion on the mother's condition did not then justify keeping this soldier in this country. As soon as it was known that her condition had deteriorated, his overseas posting was cancelled.

Mr. Chapman

Is it not the fact that, in view of the element of doubt in this case, I altered my plea to one of keeping the man here for, say, three months, so that the woman could get over the death of her husband? Would that not have been a human and generous thing to have done? Can we take it that the War Office will be completely inelastic in these matters in future?

Mr. Head

No, Sir; we are far from inelastic. I believe that the hon. Member talked to my hon. Friend about this matter. We have to combine medical and human reasons and to decide what should be done. We have had no fewer than 300 people flown back from the Middle East in the last six months, and a great deal of this kind of thing is done. This case was not considered worthy at the time, but it now is.