§ Mr. R. Beaumontasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the personnel of the 213th Anti-Aircraft Battery of the 57th (Wessex) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, received written notices on 17th May, that they would be called out on 27th May for a fortnight's manning of the gun positions; that a few days later the notices were cancelled; that considerable inconvenience was caused to many men who had to inform their employers and make other arrangements for their fortnight's absence from their normal occupations; whether he will state what authority was responsible for the issue and cancellation of the notices; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such inconvenience is not again caused to this or any other unit?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaUnder a provisional scheme which had been issued to units, the 213th Anti-Aircraft Battery was to be called out on 27th May. But it was clearly stated that no action was to be taken until confirmation was given, and it was subsequently found that a later date would be more suitable.
The Officer Commanding 213th Anti-Aircraft Battery, on receiving warning on 12th May that the Battery might be called up on 27th May under the scheme, thought it best to pass the warning on to the men of his Battery, in view of the short time available. I much regret if inconvenience was caused by an endeavour to keep the unit acquainted, if only provisionally, with the programme.