§ Mr. Edelmanasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why a telegram sent to L.A.C. Smith, 1667014, stationed at Milton, near Abingdon, Berkshire, at his camp on Tuesday, 23rd October, informing him that his wife was about to be confined, was never delivered to him; why the telephone calls from the Coventry police on this subject were not reported to him; why he was only informed on Thursday, 25th October, that the confinement had already taken place and that the child which died that evening, was critically ill; and why compassionate leave was not given to him sooner.
§ Mr. StracheyThe telegram of 23rd October was never received at this airman's unit and the postal authorities are looking into the matter. The Coventry police telephoned on 25th October when the airman was immediately informed and sent on compassionate leave. The unit had previously arranged to the airman's satisfaction that this compassionate leave should begin on 25th October.