HC Deb 18 July 1946 vol 425 cc258-9W
93. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for War why the claim for damages of Mr. F. C. Cooper, of Hampton-in-Arden, who was injured by a R.A F. vehicle on 22nd September, 1944, reference W/AM/ 40922/101 /ACG, has not yet been settled by the Claims Commission.

Mr. Bellenger

This has been rather a difficult case; an accountant's investiga- tion was necessary. The local representative of the Claims Commission is in touch with the claimant's solicitors and it is hoped that a settlement will not now be long delayed.

Mr. Byers

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for the delay in the dispatch of 14558869 Private F. E. Stokes, R.A.M.C., A. Military Hospital, M.E.F., from the Middle East on compassionate grounds, in view of the fact that his application was sent to the Middle East on 2nd July and his mother is critically ill.

Mr. Lawson

I understand from the Overseas Command, with whom the decision rests in these cases, that the soldier left Cairo by air on 15th July.

Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) why the letter of the Junior Member for Oldham, of 18th June last, asking for information of the whereabouts of 14654321 Private J. T. Price, R.A.O.C., transferred to R.E.M.E., whose last known address was R.A.O.C. Pool X (4A) List, India Command, has not been dealt with;

(2) the present address of 14654321 Private J. T. Price, R.A.O.C., transferred to R.E.M.E., whose last known address was R.A.O.C. Pool X (4A) List, India Command, and who left this country for an unknown destination by air on 20th January last and has not been heard of by his parents since; and why letters addressed to this man by his parents are being returned to them marked, "Not known."

Mr. Lawson

As my hon. Friend was informed by letter on 12th July, I have cabled to India for a report on this case. A reply has not yet been received. The latest known address of the soldier is R.A.O.C. Reinforcement Pool, Central Ordnance Depot, Dehu Sidings S.O., Poona District, India Command. I am unable to say why letters have been returned from India marked "Not known," but I am making inquiries, and will write to my hon. Friend on both points as soon as possible.