HC Deb 10 July 1947 vol 439 c243W
93. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the long delay in obtaining any information about 14571498 Craftsman J. Barry, Royal Engineers, who has been reported privately as seriously injured with B.A.O.R. in May.

Mr. J. Freeman

When a soldier is in an Army hospital notification is sent officially to his relatives only if he is dangerously or seriously ill. Lance-Corporal Barry's condition was not regarded as sufficiently serious at any time while he was in a military hospital to warrant his being placed on the seriously ill list, and it was for this reason that no official notification was sent to his next-of-kin by the Army authorities. He has now been returned to this country and had a period of leave from hospital. I regret that I had not previously informed my hon. Friend of this.