§ Mr. HOODasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Rifleman. A. W. Mason, No.345129, 6th London Regiment, lately a prisoner of war, in ill-health, reported after the usual leave at Westminster depot on the 12th February last; that he has been since ordered to various places, including Gravesend, Tilbury Fort, Farringdon Street, Maidenhead, and West Ham; that no bed or food has been provided, and no pay given to him, as he is said not to be on the strength; whether representations have been made in writing of these facts to the headquarters of the London district by Mason's mother, who has been merely referred by letter C.R.L.D. 3/28688/A. to the Eastern Command; and whether the Secretary of State for War will at once give orders for the demobilisation or release of Mason so that he may return to his home at New Maiden?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLInquiries are being made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.
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§ Mr. RENDALLasked the Secretary of State for War why Lance-Corporal Alexander W. Govan, No. 200254, D Company, l/4th Battalion Somerset Light infantry, now with the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, an engineer's apprentice to the Golden Valley Paper Mills, Bitton, near Bristol, has not been discharged; whether he has been abroad in Army service for four years, is only twenty-one, and his career is being seriously injured by the delay; if three applications by the employer have been sent in for this boy; and what course he is taking to grant discharge in this and other like cases?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLInquiries will be made into this case, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.
§ Mr. LORT-WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private C. Blackman, No. S/28928, 5th Battalion Rifle Brigade, after serving overseas came home with neurasthenia, was sent home pending discharge, overstayed his leave three weeks, then reported at his depot in uniform, was not charged with desertion, but was informed that his trial was dispensed with and that his service would be forfeited on account of desertion; and whether he will have this case reconsidered and the war gratuity granted to this soldier?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am inquiring into the facts of this case, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.