HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc330-1W
Captain C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War the policy of his Department with regard to men due for release who have been warned to attend as witnesses at courts martial or courts of inquiry; and whether he is satisfied that adequate precautions are taken to prevent any release being unnecessarily deferred for this reason.

Mr. Lawson

General Officers Commanding-in-Chief of commands at home and abroad are authorised to retain personnel due for release who are awaiting trial for serious offences or who are essential witnesses. Retention is, however, only permitted where it is vitally necessary, and must be for the minimum period only. Such retention may not, of course, be used or threatened as a punishment.

Captain C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to make a statement on the procedure for release of men in the Radio Security Service after they become redundant.

Mr. Lawson

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 4th December last.