HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc322-4W
78. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 3247680 C.S.M. B. Coutts, of the Royal Scots, after serving for three years in Burma was returned to this country on compassionate grounds and immediately reduced to the status of private and is now kept on fatigues, although a Regular soldier with an excellent record; and whether he will take steps to prevent the occurrence of injustices of this kind.

Mr. Lawson

I am aware of this case. When the soldier was returned to the home establishment he necessarily lost the acting rank attaching to his appointment overseas. This is in accordance with the ordinary rules. Unfortunately he had not held it long enough to qualify far war-substantive N.C.O. rank and he had to be reverted to private which is his substantive rank. Arrangements can be made to give him the opportunity to regain higher rank if he is willing to forego compassionate posting in the London area.

94. Mr. F. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 4539855 Private H. Smethurst was imprisoned for four months without charge or trial; that, following inquiries by the hon. Member for the Hulme Division of Manchester, a charge of the technical theft of 15 gallons of petrol was preferred against him, for which he was sentenced to nine months' detention; and whether he will remit this sentence and, in view of the unsatisfactory manner in which this case has been conducted, if he will cause an investigation to be made.

Mr. Lawson

This soldier was tried on three charges, including the one mentioned, and was found guilty on two of them, His trial was delayed because investigations were necessary over a very wide area in Italy and there was difficulty in tracing some of the witnesses. The reduction or remission of the sentence will be considered by C.M.F. in the ordinary course of events and, on present information, I see no reason to interfere. I am, however, calling for certain additional facts on receipt of which I will write to my hon. Friend.

Lieut.-Colonel Sharpe

asked the Secretary of State for War why 14557553 Corporal F. Howe, Eritrea Signals, M.E.F.5, who is a signals office clerk in release Group 37 and was due for release in August, has had his release deferred for three months; on whose authority this deferment was ordered; whether all signals clerks in all commands are receiving similar treatment; and whether he will cancel this 'deferment and allow this 37years-old man, with three years' overseas service, to return at the proper time.

Mr. Lawson

I understand that Corporal Howe is not yet due for release but has been warned that he may have to be deferred when the release date for his group is reached. If he is retained, it will only be until a replacement can be provided. Deferment by the General Officer Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, would be permissible in his case under the authority of paragraphs 320 and 321 Release Regulations. There is a general shortage of men in his trade and deferments have proved to be necessary in Middle East and other Commands. Replacements are sent as quickly as possible and local training of other suitable men is also being carried out.

Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for War when Sergeant J. H. Gardiner, 67 Lord Street, Oldham, formerly T/91430 R.A.S.C., may expect his claim for losses, while prisoner of war in Japanese hands, to be dealt with by his Department.

Mr. Lawson

The circumstances of the losses reported by Sergeant Gardiner were such that my Department cannot, under present rules, pay compensation. The rules on the subject are being re-examined by the Departments concerned and Sergeant Gardiner will be informed of the decision in accordance with the promise made to him.

Mr. Byers

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the return to this country of 14423065 Private R. Evis, Dorsetshire Regiment, 1st Company, 4 Wing, B.B.R.C., India Command, who has been accepted as a police recruit and who made an application for release under Class B on 20th March.

Mr. Lawson

The preliminary action in these cases is carried out in India and so far I have received no application for the release of this soldier in Class B. I have called for a report from India and will write to the hon. Member.