Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver A. P. Paterson, No. 76,775, Royal Engineers, wandered from a camp in Egypt in May or June of 1916; whether hospitals and camps were visited and a search made; whether this man was complaining for days of pains in the head prior to his disappearance; whether the War Office are still keeping this man posted as a deserter and refuse to give his parents any satisfaction regarding his personal effects; and whether, in view of the isolated part in which this man was stationed, it would be better to presume him missing and enable his parents to obtain that which is due to them on account of a son whom they now look upon as dead?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThis case has been very carefully considered, and I regret that I can add nothing to the reply to the hon. Member's question of 13th November last and to the letters on the subject which have been addressed to him from the War Office.