HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc130-2W
73. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to hold 4860007 Private J. Bryan, 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, who signed for nine years' service in the Army when only 14 years of age, to his engagement; and why his boy service does not count towards the nine years.

Mr. Lawson

Yes, Sir. This soldier enlisted to serve up to age 18 and for 12 years thereafter, this being the normal rule in such cases under Section 76 of the Army Act. In his case the 12 years are divided as between nine years with the Colours and three years in the Army Reserve.

74. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain the delay which has occurred in bringing to an issue the case of the soldier, whose name has been communicated to him, whose demobilisation under Class A, due to take place on 10th February, has not yet been allowed owing to the failure to hold a court martial for a technical offence alleged to have been committed on 5th February; and when the case will be disposed of and discharge given.

Mr. Lawson

The delay was caused partly because the soldier in question was in hospital for some three months, and partly because it was necessary to obtain evidence from a number of witnesses who were widely dispersed. The court martial will be held in a very short time. The offences for which this soldier is being tried are by no means merely technical.

80. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Secretary of State for War why 1067044 Warrant-Officer H. R. Klein, who enlisted voluntarily in the British Army in Palestine in 1941, cannot be released in the United Kingdom so that he may rejoin his parents instead of being forcibly repatriated to Palestine where he has neither home nor relatives.

Mr. Lawson

As this warrant officer, who is serving in the Middle East, is not a British national and was enlisted overseas, he falls to be dealt with under the release scheme relating to local personnel enlisted in Palestine. As I have previously explained, such soldiers must normally be released in the country of their enlistment and have no entitlement to repatriation to the United Kingdom.

81. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for War if it was with his authority that a sergeant in the Intelligence Corps was detailed to visit bakers' shops in Barnet and Wood Green on 22nd July and succeeding days; and if he will state the purpose of these investigations.

Mr. Lawson

No, Sir, these visits were not authorised by me or by any Army officer. The sergeant concerned acted entirely on his own initiative and appropriate disciplinary action has been taken.

111. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the present situation in Palestine, he will reconsider his decision that Staff-Sergeant A. Klein, J.A.G. Branch, H.Q., B.T.A., C.M.F., a Roumanian citizen who speaks neither Hebrew nor Arabic and has no relatives or means of earning a living in Palestine, must be sent to Palestine for demobilisation there; if he will assist this man to return to Roumania, where his home and family are; and whether he has applied repeatedly to be sent for local release.

Mr. Lawson

As this non-commissioned officer, who is serving in C.M.F., is not a British national and was enlisted overseas in Palestine, he falls to be dealt with under the release scheme relating to local personnel. As I have previously explained, such soldiers must be released in the country of their enlistment and have no entitlement to be sent to the United Kingdom or elsewhere. In certain circumstances they can, however, be released in the country in which they are serving.

113. Mr. Irving

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 7640699 Private L. Simmonds, who was due for demobilisation two months ago is being detained in Italy on the grounds that he may be required as a witness in a court martial, the alleged offence having taken place six months ago; and what steps he is taking to expedite this man's release.

Mr. Lawson

I have no information as to the details of this case, but have called for a full report and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as it is received.

119. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for War why T/181077 Driver E. F. C. Smith, R.A.S.C., who has been a prisoner of war in the Far East, has only received credits amounting to £201, when in actual fact he should have received £292 19s. 5d.; and why this soldier's letter, dated 20th January, 1946, addressed to the Regimental Paymaster, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C., has not been replied to.

Mr. Lawson

I am having inquiries made, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will expedite the issue of an allowance book and arrears of allowances to Mrs. Field, 41, Buckwoods Road, Braintree, Essex, whose husband, 2320681 Sergeant C. Field, rejoined the Royal Signals on 15th May; and if he is aware of the inconvenience that such delays as this cause.

Mr. Lawson

Provision is made for the paymaster to be notified of all re-enlistments so that any allowance admissible in respect of a dependant may be issued forthwith. Unfortunately, in this case the appropriate document went astray, and it was not until the receipt of a letter of complaint from Mrs. Field that the paymaster was aware of the position. An allowance order book was thereupon despatched to the Post Office, and a form of authority which would enable Mrs. Field to obtain the book was sent to her on 18th July. Since the address now given differs from that previously recorded a fresh form of authority has been sent to the new address and a postal draft for the arrears due to her has also been despatched. I regret any inconvenience caused by this particular delay.