§ Brigadier Petoasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of 224048 Captain John Routcliffe Squire, M.B.E., Royal Engineers, which was forwarded to him on 21st April; and whether this officer's arrears of pay, war bonus, and other emoluments will be refunded to him in view of the fact that his sentence by court martial on 18th August, 1947, was subsequently quashed and this officer was relieved of all consequences of his conviction.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe solicitors acting for Mr. Squire, whose commission was relinquished with effect from 26th August, 1947, informed the Treasury Solicitor on 22nd April that this ex-officer was bringing proceedings immediately. In these circumstances I can only say that I am advised that his claims are not legally enforceable and that I am not prepared to make any ex-gratia payment.