HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc165-6W
22. Sir G. Fox

asked the Secretary of State for War why 14428692 Lance-Corporal P. R. West is being sent back to Palestine before release after 28 days' leave in the United Kingdom as he has only 10 weeks' more service; and whether the requirement of four months' minimum service in such cases has been changed.

Mr. Bellenger

This soldier is in Group 56. As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 18th March it is the intention to release this group from the Army during August. Lance-Corporal West, has, therefore, over four months to serve. The answer to the last part of the Question is "No, Sir."

41. Mr. Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 4614656 Gunner J. Hanson, No. 6 F.P.D.B., B.A.O.R., who has now served 10 months of 18 months sentence for absence without leave, was a miner before his enlistment in September 1939; if he will now arrange for this sentence to be reviewed; and whether, on the termination of the sentence, Gunner Hanson will be eligible for immediate return to his prewar employment as a coalminer.

Mr. Bellenger

This man is still in detention, and I have issued instructions for the immediate review of his sentence. I must point out, however, that the original sentence which was awarded for four charges of absence without leave might well have been suspended by now had not Gunner Hanson again absented himself while serving sentence. It would appear from his industrial category that if he were not in detention he would be eligible for a Class B release to the coal-mining industry. When he is released from detention he will be offered Class B release to coalmining.

95. Mr. Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for War when 14574803 Rifleman A. Pentland, who was granted compassionate release in a letter from his Department dated 14th February, 1947, is likely to arrive in this country.

Mr. Bellenger

I regret that I cannot say when Rifleman Pentland is likely to arrive in this country. Inquiries are, however, being made by cable and I will write to my hon. Friend.