HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 cc193-4W
Major Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made to ensure priority in travel for Servicemen from the Far East who become due for release after a period of compul- sory deferment beyond the time at which they would normally have been released.

Mr. Bellenger

I have no doubt that Overseas Commands already give this priority but I am taking steps to ensure that they do so.

Major N. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for War when he intends to release officers who volunteered to defer their release before the conclusion of the hostilities with Japan; and whether he will release them in accordance with age and service principle or, as nearly as possible, simultaneously.

Mr. Bellenger

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend last Tuesday. The officers in question must continue to serve until the end of the periods for which they voluntarily deferred their release.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

asked the President of the Board of Trade why so many demobilised men have been refused a raincoat on their release from the Services; and whether arrangements can be made for them to be supplied with one.

Mr. Lawson

I have been asked to reply. All men are entitled to a raincoat on release Difficulty is being experienced at present in fitting some men with the correct sizes at the time of release. In such cases a raincoat of the correct size is sent by post as soon as possible. I hope, however, that this temporary difficulty will be overcome in the near future.

Major C. Poole

asked the Secretary of State for War why certain ranks of the Royal Engineers in Groups 26 and 27 stationed in Greece have been warned that their release will be deferred; and if he will see that these men are released with their normal age and Service group.

Mr. Lawson

I am making inquiries into the particular case of the individuals to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I should point out that under the release scheme individual officers and other ranks are at any time liable to have their release deferred on the grounds that they are operationally vital. All commands are well aware of the necessity for confining such individual deferments to the minimum number of men and to the shortest possible periods.