HC Deb 19 January 1954 vol 522 cc147-8W
51. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make avail able to the hon. Member for The Hartlepools a copy of the report of the proceedings of the military court of inquiry, held at Fayid, Canal Zone, on 1st April, 1953, into the incident which resulted in the subsequent death of 22624079 Sapper Crangle, Royal Engineers.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

No. I have given the hon. Member the fullest possible information, but I regret that I cannot make a copy of this confidential document available to him.

52. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War why the circumstances in which 22624079 Sapper Crangle, Royal Engineers, met with the injuries which resulted in his death, which were revealed at a military court of inquiry which sat on 1st April, 1953, were not made available to the parents before 26th November,1953, and then only after the parents had expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation which had previously been given.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

As I have written fully and explained to the hon. Member the first medical reports of this soldier's illness and death contained the diagnosis of acute nephritis. As a result his death was accepted within the War Office as being due to natural causes. Some weeks later apost mortem report was received which connected his illness with a stab wound which he received earlier. This should, of course, immediately have been reported to his mother. Most unfortunately, due to an oversight, the circumstances of which I have explained to the hon. Member, this was not done at that time. I would express my deepest sympathy with this soldier's parents both on the death of their son and on the distress which this unfortunate mistake has caused them.

54. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to investigate the disappearance of 22655996 Gunner M. J. Gibbons in Hong Kong; and what further information has come to light.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

When Gunner Gibbons with another soldier disappeared on 22nd September, a thorough investigation was made and military search parties covered the area over the following three days. The search was aided by Royal Air Force dogs and aircraft and a launch working along the coast. The help of the civil police was also sought and their inquiries are continuing. I much regret, however, that no new information has come to light since I last wrote to the hon. Member on 13th January.