§ Major HILLSasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private R. Blacklock, No. 323556, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), 1,039th Company, Auxiliary Petrol Company, Egyptian Expeditionary Force; whether he is aware that Private Black-Jock joined the Army on 29th November, 1916, was sent to Egypt on 13th December, 1917, and was admitted to hospital in Alexandria on 2nd November, 1918, suffering from disease unknown; that he underwent an operation on the ear and remained in the Alexandria Hospital till the end of January, 1919; that he has since been in a very weak state of health suffering from the loss of the use of one ear, and on account of the Egyptian climate not suiting him; that he is now again in hospital at Aleppo under treatment for the ear; that Private Blacklock's category was C 2 when sent overseas; that it is over two years since he was granted leave; that before joining the Army he was employed as an apprentice blacksmith at Littletown Colliery, county Durham, and that papers asking for his release were some time ago sent in by his employer; and whether, in view of the state of Private Blacklock's health, which is causing great anxiety to his parents, instructions may now be given for his release?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am making inquiries, and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.
§ Sir HERBERT NIELDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now 1278W give a reply to the question put several weeks ago as to the demobilisation, on compassionate grounds, of Private W. L. Grounsell, M/303399, Royal Army Service Corps, with regard to which he stated he was making inquiry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA letter was sent to my hon. and learned Friend, at the end of last month, stating that this case had been carefully considered, but it was regretted that the circumstances could not be regarded as such as to warrant the man's immediate release on compassionate grounds.