§ Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now considered the case of 595779 Lance-Corporal A. G. Coleman, 6th British Armoured Divisional Provost Company, C.M.F., reported to him by the hon. Member for St. Albans on 12th January last; whether he can explain the delay in informing this soldier of his bereavement; and whether, in view of the circumstances, LanceCorporal Coleman can now be returned to this country by a compassionate home posting.
§ Mr. LawsonThe War Office does not undertake responsibility for informing soldiers of the death of a relative. Where an application is made for a compassion ate home posting, in such a case the facts are brought to the notice of the command concerned in order that a decision can be reached on the application, and not as a means of informing the soldier of his bereavement, of which he normally hears direct from relatives. This procedure was followed in the present case. The decision rests with the Commander-in-Chief concerned, but I am taking steps to find out by cable what decision has been reached.