§ Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for War the number of men in the Pioneer Corps demobilised in North Africa since VE-Day; whether these men received gratuities, clothing or clothing allowance; and if not, whether he will take steps to make such allowances payable.
§ Mr. LawsonI am taking steps to obtain the answer to the first part of the Question. As regards the second and third parts, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Mr. Jeger) on 28th May.
§ Mr. J. McKayasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that soldiers in India, who are due for demobilisation, are being held up for want of shipping; and what steps are being taken to get these men home in accordance with their release dates.
§ Mr. LawsonSo far as I am aware soldiers in India who are due for demobilisation, are not being held up for want of shipping. For some months past sufficient shipping has been and is still being made available to the Commander in Chief, in India, in plenty of time to enable him to meet all his requirements392W for the repatriation of service personnel. In fact, in recent months, men from India have been arriving in many cases well before their release dates.