§ 87. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War to investigate the circumstances under which a soldier, whose name and particulars have been supplied to him, has been charged for items of equipment lost or stolen whilst he was in hospital, and was sent home on leave without a greatcoat in extremely cold weather; and if he will take appropriate action.
§ Mr. F. MacleanAs this soldier was not due back from leave until yesterday, I have not yet been able to complete my inquiries. I have, however, been unable to confirm the hon. Member's statement that any charge has so far been levied for the greatcoat nor does the soldier appear to have asked to borrow one to go on leave.
§ 88. Mr. Marloweasked the Secretary of State for War why he maintains his decision to post overseas Private D. R. Callen, Royal Sussex Regiment, in spite of the fact that his mother is a blind widow whose only other relative living at home is a schoolboy son, aged ten years; and whether he will reconsider this decision, the details of which are known to him.
§ Mr. F. MacleanI am satisfied that the present arrangements for the care of this soldier's mother are satisfactory and I am afraid that there are insufficient grounds to justify my cancelling his posting to Germany. He will not be sent further afield.
89. Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the circumstances which resulted in the 23W death of Private Gordon Pilling, of Earlestown; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. F. MacleanAs the inquest into the death of this soldier was adjourned until today, I am not yet in a position to comment. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.