§ Mr. Collinsasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the reduced rate of the January and February Python schemes and the absence of a March Python scheme has created dissatisfaction 356W among members of S.E.A.C.; if he will give reasons for the reductions and state the approximate date when be expects that the maximum overseas tour of duty will be reduced to three years.
§ Mr. Hoggasked the Secretary of State for War why no Python contingent is to sail from S.E.A.C. in March.
§ Mr. LawsonAs I have previously informed the House, the Python period for the Far Eastern theatre is three years four months and this period has been adhered to. The period is measured from the time the man leaves the United Kingdom to the time he leaves the over-seas theatre. April, 1946, is therefore, the correct date for the departure of those who left England in December, 1942. There is a constant interchange of personnel between India and A.L.F.S.E.A. and it frequently happens that a part of a formation is in India and part in A.L.F.S.E.A. For this reason, the two Commands have always been treated as one for Python purposes; otherwise unfairness would ensue. It appears that recently a number of men have been repatriated from A.L.F.S.E.A. after doing only three years three months in the theatre. In order to redress the balance with India, Python sailings from A.L.F.S.E.A. are being appropriately adjusted.
§ Mr. T. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for War why men in S.E.A.C. who left England in December, 1942, have had their repatriation delayed until April, 1946; and if he will take steps to see that this gap in the Python scheme is reduced, if possible.
§ Mr. LawsonI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today to the hon. Members for Taunton (Mr. Collins) and Oxford (Mr. Hogg).