§ 89. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 14669833 Sergeant C. J. Reason, authority for whose Class B release was issued in April, was still serving in India in the middle of June; why there has been so much delay in this case; and how soon he anticipates that this man, who is urgently needed as a rural craftsman at Rayne, Essex, will be released.
§ Mr. BellengerThe latest information available shows that release has been offered and accepted by this man and is proceeding. This information was received on 25th June. India have since been asked to report the estimated time of arrival, and I will inform my hon. Friend when a reply is received. I regret the delay which has occurred in this and other cases, and strong representations have been made which I hope will result in continued improvement. In this particular case the distance of the man's station from G.H.Q. and from a port may have been a contributory factor.