HC Deb 29 July 1946 vol 426 cc86-7W
Mr. Byers

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps his Department will take to assist ex-Guardsman F. H. W. White, of Gilling-ham, Dorset, to obtain a passage to Canada for himself and his family, in view of the fact that this man is 80 per cent. disabled, has been waiting for many months for a passage and is now told that it is unlikely he will get one for a further year.

Mr. Bottomley

I understand that Mr. White came to the United Kingdom from Canada in 1937 with the object of joining the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and that he married whilst in this country. He has since been recognised as a Canadian citizen and the Canadian authorities have accepted responsibility for his repatriation to Canada together with his family. Owing to the shipping situation and the large number of Canadian military and civilian personnel awaiting repatriation it will be appreciated that some delay is bound to occur. My hon. Friend may however rest assured that passages will be provided for Mr. White and his family as soon as shipping space becomes available for the category of priority passengers in which they have been placed.