HC Deb 21 January 1947 vol 432 cc18-9W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider a case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a craftsman serving with the Army in Burma whose return to this country is urgent in order that he may take over management of a one-man family business, the head of which has just died; and, as the only person left to carry on is a member of the staff of a council school which will be seriously crippled by the withdrawal of this teacher, if he will now arrange for this man's release to prevent the business from closing down.

Mr. Bellenger

The craftsman in question was not actively engaged in the business before he joined the Army and for that reason alone is ineligible for compassionate release on business grounds. I understand that his wife is the other person referred to and she is available to make any alternative arrangements that may be possible pending her husband's release with his age and service group.