§ Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War why men who have already completed three years and two months overseas service are still in Burma awaiting repatriation; and when they will arrive in this country.
§ Mr. Lawson:There is no general delay in these theatres and I know of no such cases, though it is possible that isolated individuals may have been retained temporarily for some specific reason. If my hon. and gallant Friend has a particular case in mind and will let me have details I will make inquiries.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he has made to ensure that men in Burma in Release Group 36 will be brought back to this country for demobilisation in August; and whether he will give full publicity to any such arrangements to the men concerned.
§ Mr. Lawson:General instructions have been issued for the collection and despatch of all the men concerned. In accordance with normal procedure, the shipping requirements are notified by C.-in-C. India to the War Office, who arrange for the provision of shipping in consultation with the Ministry of Transport, and advise the Commander-in-Chief, India, of the dates of availability and capacity of ships. The shipping is reallocated locally to meet the needs of the various areas. The men are aware of the dates on which the release of their group is planned: it would not be practicable to give advance publicity 163W to each of the detailed arrangements. or their effect on particular individuals.