§ 104. Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 14574803 Rifleman Pentland, 2nd K.R.R.C., M.E.L.F., whose compassionate home posting was granted in his Department's letter dated 14th February, 1947, and regarding whose non-arrival in the United Kingdom the hon. Member for Central Newcastle made inquiries on 11th and 25th March, 1947, has not yet arrived in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement on the delay in the home posting of this soldier.
§ Mr. J. FreemanI regret the delay in the return of this soldier and have taken steps to expedite it. I hope to let my hon. Friend know very shortly when he may be expected to arrive.
§ Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for War why 6200912 Warrant Officer, Second Class, E. G. Pountney, Middlesex Regiment, whose war substantive rank is warrant officer, second class, regarding which case the hon. Member for Central Newcastle wrote to him on 25th March, 1947, has been refused reinstatement in his former war substantive rank although he is anxious to rejoin the Army on the long service Regular re-engagement.
§ Mr. BellengerMr. Pountney was informed last July that he could be accepted for a three years' engagement in his war substantive rank of Warrant Officer Class II. He did not, however, apply for enlistment until six months later, when no vacancy for him in that rank any longer existed. He was, therefore, informed that he could be accepted as a war substantive sergeant.