HC Deb 16 December 1946 vol 431 cc329-30W
Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Air why R.A.F. police on 5th December, 1946, called twice at the home of 1649269 L.A.C. T. Byatt, 9, Knowle Road, Brixton, London, S.W.9, alleging that this airman was absent without leave, though he was at his duty station that day; and whether, in view of the anxiety and distress caused to the airman's wife by this and a similar mistake five weeks previously, he will make a statement and take steps to prevent such mistakes in future.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

This airman was absent without leave from nth to 30th November. His unit did not inform the R.A.F. Police of his return until 6th December; meanwhile the R.A.F. police had called at his home. The unit ought to have reported his return more quickly and I am sorry for any distress Mrs. Byatt has suffered. No mistake was made on the earlier occasion to which my hon. and gallant Friend has referred: A.C.2 Byatt on that occasion was absent from duty when the civil police made inquiries for us at his home.