HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc188-9W
20. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War why no allowance has yet been paid to the wife and children of 19091316 Private Joseph William Elliott who joined the Army on 24th October last.

Mr. Bellenger

Private Elliott claimed an allowance for a special dependant. Certain inquiries were necessary which have now been completed and special dependant's allowance has now been authorised at the rate of 45s. 6d. a week from 24th October.

40. Mr. Baird

asked the Secretary of State for War what compensation is being paid to 3387913 Sapper Wesley, R.E., No. 3, M.P., D.B., for the negligent amputation of the wrong finger during a surgical operation; and why this soldier is at present serving sentence in a detention prison.

Mr. Bellenger

I have already been investigating this case as a result of inquiries from my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Miss Lee). The Proceedings of a court of inquiry into this incident have just been received and are being examined. The question of compensation will be considered. I was not aware that this soldier was serving a sentence of detention overseas but have called for a report and will write to my hon. Friend.

87. Mr. C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War the precise grounds on which the Army Council has decided that Private No. 14944324 shall not be transferred to the Army Education Corps, in view of the fact that he passed a War Office Selection Board as long ago as August, 1945, and has on three separate occasions since then been recommended by specialist selection boards for transfer to the Army Education Corps.

Mr. Bellenger

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 26th November.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will investigate the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a nursing sister, Q.A.I.M.N.S.R., now working at the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, who, in 1941, volunteered to come to England from Argentina in order to take up nursing, which she has carried out ever since, and whose application in July, 1946, to be repatriated to Argentina has been refused by his Department; and why this action has been taken.

Mr. Bellenger

This nursing sister's claim to repatriation has not been refused but her passage has had to be postponed until she is eligible for release. I am having her case investigated from the compassionate aspect and if the circumstances warrant it, I will arrange for her immediate compassionate release and subsequent repatriation.