§ 33. Mr. Albuasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received the Report of the court of inquiry into the barn fire in Austria in which a number of British soldiers lost their lives; and whether he will make known its findings.
§ Mr. HeadThe proceedings of the court arrived yesterday and I have not yet had the opportunity to study them fully. It is, however, plain that there was not sufficient evidence to determine the actual cause of the fire. There is no evidence to show that any member of the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, was directly to blame.
Immediately it was known that men were trapped in the barn most courageous efforts were made to rescue them. I should like particularly to pay tribute to the gallant action of the late Second-Lieutenant Heming and Private Simpson, who went back into the room occupied by No. 7 Platoon in order to waken the men who were sleeping there. I would also like to express appreciation of the work carried out by the United States Forces and the aid given by Austrian civilians and gendarmerie.
§ Mr. AlbuIn view of the many stories in the Press and the very considerable anxiety caused to parents by rumours, would the Secretary of State, when he has an opportunity fully to examine the Report, consider making it public?
§ Mr. HeadWhen I have studied the Report I shall be only too pleased to make a statement giving a summary of it. The Report is one of a court of inquiry and is therefore privileged, but I will certainly give a summary of the facts.