HC Deb 04 June 1946 vol 423 cc297-8W
109. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the delay in the repatriation from Hong Kong of officers and other ranks due for demobilisation in Groups 29–32.

Mr. Lawson

I am not at present aware of any delay in the repatriation of men from Hong Kong for release, but I am making inquiries and as soon as they are completed I will write to my hon. Friend.

122. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men belonging to release Group 36, who are serving in India, have now been sent to transit camps whilst in the case of personnel serving at Singapore only men belonging to Group 32 and earlier groups has so far been sent to transit camps; why there is this wide discrepancy; and whether he will give an assurance that men stationed at Singapore will be repatriated in time to be released with their respective groups.

Mr. Lawson

The difference in movements to transit camps between India and A.L.F.S.E.A. is no doubt due merely to different internal administrative arrangements. The fact that internal moves may begin on different dates does not by any means imply that the men from one Command will arrive back in this country late for release within the dates laid down for their groups. With the exception of one small party which was 48 hours late, men from A.L.F.S.E.A. have generally been arriving back in this country in good time for release, and I have no reason to suppose that they will not continue to do so.

131. Mr. J. Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers, who are due for early demobilisation, are sent to India, with the result that they are due to return soon after disembarkation.

Mr. Lawson

Men are not posted overseas unless they will have a useful period to serve before becoming due for release from the Army. At present men in groups earlier than 5o are not normally posted to India, unless they have deferred their release voluntarily. I realise that in sonic cases the period served by men overseas before they become due for repatriation for release may be comparatively short, but this is unavoidable in view of the present shortage of manpower if we are to continue to ensure that only the minimum possible numbers are compulsorily retained beyond their release dates.