HC Deb 27 March 1956 vol 550 cc1945-6
9. Sir N. Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for War why 22985643 Private Bell is still detained in custody.

Mr. Head

This soldier is awaiting trial by court-martial on several charges, the most serious of which is desertion.

Sir N. Hulbert

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this man alleges that he has in his possession a discharge certificate, and will the Minister, under the circumstances, do everything he can to expedite the settlement of this matter?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir, I want to expedite it as quickly as I can. The fact is that the soldier has this certificate but that there are two Private Bells in this Battalion and, unfortunately, the adjutant thought that this man was the other Private Bell.

Sir N. Hulbert

Can my right hon. Friend tell me which Private Bell my constituent is?

Mr. Head

I think he is No. 22985643 Private Bell.

Sir N. Hulbert

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the number which he has quoted is the number on the discharge certificate in the possession of my constituent?

Mr. Head

Then I am afraid that in my haste I have read out the wrong number. [Laughter.] It should be No. 22845669 Private Bell.