HC Deb 15 June 1945 vol 411 cc1895-6W
Mr. McIntyre

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cause an investigation to be held concerning the case of 2982319 Private E. Butcher, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, now in His Majesty's prison, Peterhead, who was overseas for six years without leave, although his father had died meanwhile, and was brought back to be put in prison on account of a dispute over the question of leave.

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. Member does not appear to be aware that this man was court-martialled in the Middle East in 1944 and sentenced to three years' penal servitude for a civil offence. He has been brought home in order to serve the rest of his sentence. In the time available I have not been able to find out whether before he committed his offence there was any special reason for not repatriating him to this country.