HC Deb 23 October 1945 vol 414 cc1959-60W
Mr. Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War what delay now exists in repatriation from India under the Python scheme.

Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the present prospects of repatriation of men who have served in the Far East for three years and four months.

Mr. Lawson

The qualifying Python period for India is three years four months, whereas the actual length of tour is still approximately three years eight months. This delay of about four months is due chiefly to transport difficulties (including internal movement problems within India). The latest reports indicate that the situation is gradually easing. I hope that by the end of the year most or all of those who have completed three years four months' service in India or S.E.A.C. will have left India on their homeward journey.