§ Mr. Medlandasked the Secretary of State for War why 19098100 Private Brian Stanton Saunders, now serving with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, British Troops, Austria, due for release on 7th January, 1949, and retained as a witness on a field general court martial in Austria, has not been released.
§ Mr. ShinwellThis soldier is in an age and service group whose release was completed by 9th February. Under Release Regulations a soldier may be retained on the authority of the commander-in-chief as an essential court martial witness for a period of three months beyond the date on which the release of his age and service group is due to be completed. Further retention beyond the period of three months requires War Office approval.