HC Deb 14 May 1946 vol 422 c165W
30. Major Bruce

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now any announcement to make in regard to the date and place of demobilisation of the Republican Spaniards now serving in the Pioneer Corps at No. I Camp, Sudbury, Derbyshire; whether he is aware that the men themselves are very much opposed to any scheme to discharge them in Italy; and whether he is prepared to secure their discharge at an early date in this country.

Mr. Bellenger:

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) on 9th April last.

76. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for War why it was found necessary to send an escort of one captain, one sergeant, two corporals, and 25 armed men to accompany 49 Spanish Republicans from Chorley camp to Kirkham, Lancashire, on their way to France.

Mr. Bellenger:

This party of Spaniards was escorted by one subaltern and 15 other ranks, all unarmed, from Chorley to Preston; at Preston station they were handed over to two unarmed other ranks who acted as guides to France.