83. Mr. Driberģasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men serving in the R.A.O.C., A.L.F.S.E.A., have been notified officially that those in release Group 45 are unlikely to sail for home until February, 1947, and that this estimate is inconsistent with other estimates published previously and has caused despondency; and if he will take steps both to expedite home sailings from S.E.A.C. and to ensure the publication of authentic forecasts of sailings for as many months ahead as possible, sailings so forecast not to be subject to delay.
§ Mr. Lawson:I agree that the notification referred to was unfortunately worded and I am having it amended. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is announcing today a new programme of releases up till 30th September. The programme of shipping will be arranged so as to conform to this release programme. It is not practicable to forecast sailing dates months ahead as other shipping requirements are continually varying. As soon as dates of sailing are known they are published locally and are adhered to as far as possible.