HC Deb 07 April 1959 vol 603 cc25-6
48. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War why a soldier, whose name has been submitted to him, of 251 Company, Royal Pioneer Corps, Leamington Spa, was posted as an absentee when in fact he was sick on leave and medical certificates had been sent to his unit; why he was arrested on return from leave although special steps had been taken to inform his unit of his sickness; if he is aware that the soldier's kit was missing when he returned from leave; and if he will cause a thorough investigation to be made of the circumstances of the case.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hugh Fraser)

The soldier was posted as an absentee because two of the medical certificates which he sent to his unit had been altered. He was tried summarily yesterday by his commanding officer and admitted having been absent without leave. He was sentenced to 14 days' confinement to barracks and forfeiture of 12 days' pay. The soldier's kit was taken into the unit store during his absence because it had been left insecurely in a kit bag and an unfastened locker.

Mr. Swingler

is the Under-Secretary of State aware that the letter from the soldier's father which I sent to him is not in accordance with that reply? Is he saying that the statements in that letter are inaccurate? The medical certificates were submited in the proper way during the period of leave and the Commanding Officer was properly informed of the soldier's sickness. Is the hon. Gentleman saying that the information given to me, and which resulted in this Question, is misleading?

Mr. Fraser

In all, seven medical certificates were handed in, signed by three doctors. In the case of two, those received on 3rd March and 9th March. the dates had been altered.