HC Deb 18 December 1945 vol 417 cc1279-81W
Brigader Low

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is in accordance with instructions issued by his Department that a man of Group 39 should have just begun a six months' refresher course in signalling at Catterick camp.

Mr. Lawson

No, Sir. The training in this case was expected to be completed in a much shorter period. As this is not possible, however, he has been withdrawn from the course.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Staff-Sergeant E. Moon, 1690560, R.E.. of Newall, Otley, and 14 other sergeants in the R.E. and a draft of N.C.O.s and men, who left the United Kingdom on 15th November for Italy via Switzerland, on Saturday 24th November left Novara for Naples in cattle tracks with straw on the floor, leaking roofs, no lighting, heating or latrines, 20 men per truck, and food never ready at halts during this journey of 62 hours in these primitive conditions; and if he will give an assurance that men and women in the Forces will not again have to travel under such conditions during the winter months, now that active operations are over.

Mr. Lawson

I have cabled for a report on this incident and will write to the hon. and gallant Member when it has been received and considered.

Major John White

asked the Secretary of State for War when he may expect a reply to his letter of 19th November, concerning the compassionate posting of Lance-Corporal E. H. Crampton, to enable his wife to undergo a serious and urgent operation.

Mr. Lawson

The hon. and gallant Member will by now have received the reply sent to him on 12th December. I am sorry for the delay in notifying the hon. and gallant Member. Instructions regarding the case were sent out on 29th November.

Mr. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. H. R. Mossop, D.F.C., a Pathfinder pilot who was shot down over Germany and has been recently repatriated, wishes to reoccupy his farmhouse, Clyde House, Marshchapel, Lincolnshire; and if he will give immediate instructions that the Pioneer company officers' mess should be transferred at once to the village inn, where there is ample accommodation.

Mr. Lawson

This house is already in process of derequisition.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a graduate teacher of London University now serving in the A.E.C. who has been posted to the Far East and who wishes to return to his teaching post at a county grammar.school where his services are urgently needed;

(2)if he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a man serving with the A.E.C. who has been informed that he will be excluded from applying, under Class B regulations, for release to return to his duties as assistant' master at a county school for boys where his services are urgently needed; and whether he will remedy this injustice;

(3)if he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted, of an Arts honours graduate of London University, with six years' teaching experience before being called up in 1940,whoso release under Class B to return to the teaching profession has been applied for and who is informed by the headmaster of his school that in his absence his department is practically non-existent; and whether he will remedy this position forthwith.

Mr. Lawson

I have been unable to trace the receipt of the necessary details in these three cases. If the hon. Member will forward the names and regimental particulars of the individuals concerned, enquiries will be made without delay.

Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for War why 5613488 Tpr. Jewell, [., K.A.C. Depot, Poona, who was due for release with Group 18, was still being held by the Army in India on 25th November; and whether instructions have now been given for this man to be sent to the United Kingdom for release.

Mr. Lawson

I am making enquiries through G.H.Q. India in this case and will write to my hon. Friend. I am not able to confirm that he is in the age and service group mentioned, owing to the fact that he has forfeited certain service, but his point is also being investigated.