HC Deb 27 November 1945 vol 416 cc1235-8W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has inquired into the case, of which he has been given particulars, of the British private soldier who, after having been a prisoner of war, was shortly after his return to England sentenced to detention for three days for some hours absence without leave; and if he will commute this sentence.

Mr. Lawson

If my hon. Friend is referring to the case about which he wrote on 14th September, I made inquiries, following which a letter was sent to him on 6th November. As then stated, the man was absent five days and not a few hours, as stated in the Question.

Mr. McAdam

asked the Secretary of State for War why the war gratuity of the late Private John Bowes, 4806837, Pioneer Corps, who died in the emergency hospital, Beverley, near Hull, on 26th November, 1944, has not been paid to his father, H. S. Bowes, of 400, Great Cheetham Street, Salford, 7.

Mr. Lawson

I am afraid this gratuity will not be paid for some time. The method of paying the gratuities of soldiers who died or were discharged during the war has already been explained to hon. Members and announced in the Press. Those of deceased soldiers are paid without application, and roughly in order of date of death. The cases are numerous and the work heavy, and while they are being dealt with as quickly as possible, this case is naturally one of the later ones.

Lieut.-Colonel Byers

asked the Secretary of State for War why Corporal M. J. Fall, 5727003, C Company, 9th Dorset Regiment, in release Group 17, has been unable to obtain his release at the same time as others in release Group 17; and whether his release can now be expedited.

Mr. Lawson

This soldier was sick when due for release. He is now on leave and will be released when he returns.

Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the present whereabouts of Private N. L. Ward, 2658139; whether he was given a specialist medical examination during the period of his detention in August and September; whether in punishing him for overstaying his leave, the military authorities took into account the fact that he had been taken ill in Coventry during this leave; and whether he is at present receiving medical treatment.

Mr. Lawson

Private Ward is in the Chorley Military Prison and Detention Barracks. He was examined by a psychiatrist while awaiting trial in September, and was found to be in medical category AI. The fact that he had been ill was taken into account, and the sen- tence was reduced for that reason. He was admitted to the Camp Reception Station on 16th November and is receiving medical treatment.

Mr. A. E. Davies

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now reply to the letter submitted to his Department on 7th November by the hon. Member for Burslem, relating to the erroneous medical grading of 14924550 Private Gartside, A. R., who is now on draft leave for the Far East.

Mr. Lawson

A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 25th November. As then stated, Private Gartside had to be examined by a specialist, and this could not be arranged before 22nd November.

Lieut.-Colonel Byers

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the further evidence sent to him on 3rst October, he will hasten the release under Class B of T/106683283 Lance-Corporal M. R. Hunt, R.A.S.C., which was recommended by the Ministry of Food six weeks ago.

Mr. Lawson

Yes, Sir.

Sir J. Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for War why 14385263, Private A. Pullinger, was recalled to the Army from W.T. Reserve, having regard to his 22 Years experience in the building trade; what was his medical category; and to what employment did he proceed from the Army selection centre.

Mr. Lawson

Private Pullinger was temporarily released in September, 1943, because of his wife's illness. He was recalled from Class W(T) Reserve when his presence was no longer needed at home. His civil occupation had no bearing on the matter. His medical category was B.6, which was one reason for his employment as a batman.

Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now say why 5674773 Sergeant B. Goldstein, No. 22 Technical Training Group, is not allowed to be employed as a clerk in his Department, as he has served in the Army for six years, took part in the Arnhem lift in September, 1944, was captured and kept as a prisoner of war until May, 1945, his health being seriously affected thereby, and his parents having come to this country over 4o years ago.

Mr. Lawson

It is a normal rule, not fulfilled in this case, that a soldier shall not be employed in the War Office unless he is of British born parents.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Secretary of State for War why the application for release under Class B of W.O. II Hibbard, A. E. C., to enable him to resume his duties as lecturer at University College, Nottingham, was refused; and whether in view of the evidence submitted to him of the waste of this man's special training in his present employment in the Army, he is now prepared to reconsider his decision.

Mr. Lawson

The application was refused because no recommendation had been submitted for his release as a key individual and, as I have previously stated, bulk releases in Class B are not offered to members of the A.E.C., owing to the requirements of the Army Education Scheme. It appears that he is not required for his pre-enlistment appointment. I see no ground to vary the decision already given, but I am inquiring into the circumstances in which he is employed in India.