HC Deb 13 March 1946 vol 420 cc230-1W
Captain C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an R.A.S.C. sergeant, T/221342, has been in correspondence with the regimental paymaster since July of last year about the settlement of his account: that up to date he has had no satisfactory reply; and whether he will have the matter expedited.

Mr. Lawson

The facts of this case are that a debit balance as at 31st July, 1945, was notified to the soldier in India on 7th October, 1945. As he objected to this balance a detailed statement of accounts was sent to him on 6th December, 1945. As a result of further complaints from the soldier the account has been examined in detail and this has involved protracted inquiries. It is hoped that the Paymaster will be in a position to despatch a complete statement of accounts in the course of a few days.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of an Army officer who was refused release under Class B, although eligible as a university student, while students in higher release groups have returned to their universities, released under Class B; and if he will ensure that this officer, who wishes to undertake teaching, is released before the beginning of the next university session, in October.

Mr. Lawson

I regret that this officer cannot be released under Class B at present. All applications for the Class B release of officers are considered individually. Whether or not a particular individual can be released depends on the officer situation in his particular arm or corps and on any relevant special circumstances, as well as on his age and service group. It may therefore well be that students of later release groups than this particular officer have been released. I cannot give any undertaking that he will be released before October, 1946, as there are numerous other individuals in similar circumstances.