HC Deb 05 November 1946 vol 428 cc211-3W
78. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 2588876 Corporal A. J. Colley, 67 Med. W/T Troop, 3 Squadron, I H.Q. Signals, H.Q., B.A.O.R., is being held back from release because his services might be necessary at some future date; whether he is satisfied that this is a reasonable ground for deferment; and if there is, in such cases, an established period of time after which demobilisation can no longer be deferred.

Mr. Bellenger

Corporal Colley is being retained because of a considerable present deficiency of men of his trade in B.A.O.R. Release can normally only be deferred for periods up to three months. Special sanction from the War Office is necessary before this period can be exceeded, and this is very rarely given.

96. Mr. McAdam

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has refused permission for Mrs. Cowburn, 47, Indigo Street, Salford, to visit her husband, T/14687234 Driver A. E. Cowburn, R.A.S.C., reported to her as being dangerously ill by both letter and telegram on 24th September and as being transferred to the seriously ill list on 5th October; and why Mrs. Cowburn has had no further information as to the state of her husband's health from Army sources since 5th October.

Mr. Bellenger

As my hon. Friend has already been informed, under the scheme, which applies to any part of Europe, we can only arrange for next-of-kin to visit a soldier in hospital overseas if the medical authorities there think that a visit would help the soldier's recovery, or if there is an immediate possibility of his death. On this principle, we were not justified in arranging for Mrs. Cowburn to visit her husband. Mrs. Cowburn was informed on 30th October that her husband's condition was then very satisfactory. I am sorry that we were unable to let her have news between 5th and 30th October, because of difficulty in confirming messages that we received.

97. Mr. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for War why 5110179 ex-Private Smith, Leicestershire Regiment, who was released under Class A on 26th June, 1946, has received two calling-up notices dated 20th August and 17th October; why he has been pursued by the police on two occasions; and if he will have the notices cancelled and prevent any further cause for anxiety on the part of this ex-soldier and his family.

Mr. Bellenger

This man is a Regular soldier who enlisted in May, 1938, for 12 Years with the colours. He was erroneously sent home in June last for release in Class A. When the error was discovered he was recalled, being allowed to remain at home until 26th August for compassionate reasons and for a further period pending investigation of his claim that he had enlisted for six years with the colours and six with the reserve. After it had been verified from the attestation signed by him that his colour service is not due to expire until 1950 he was again recalled. He failed to report and normal action was taken to secure his return. I understand that his paybook contained an incorrect entry regarding his engagement but the attestation paper is the soldier's contract. I regret this error and that made in applying the release machinery in this case, but I cannot on that account relieve Pte. Smith of the liability to complete his engagement.

107. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War, why 14663638 ex-Sergeant S. W. Tillier has been recalled to the forces after being demobilised; whether he is aware that public indignation has been aroused by this treatment of a man who has already been more than sufficiently punished for protesting against the conditions on s.s. "Corfu;" and whether he will cancel the recall.

Mr. Bellenger

Sergeant Tillier was convicted of desertion in January as a result of the "Corfu" incident and therefore automatically forfeited all his previous service for purposes of release. There was delay in notifying his amended release group and he was released in error with his original group. He was correctly recalled and I cannot see my way to cancelling the recall. His forfeited service may, however, be restored for release purposs if he is recommended for an award for gallantry, holds the rank of corporal for three months or is promoted to a higher rank, completes a year with no adverse entry on his conduct sheet, or is recommended for special consideration as a result of good and faithful service.

110. Dr. Santo Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for War, when the hon. Member for St. Pancras, South-East, may expect an answer to his letters asking for a reconsideration of the case of Private Walker, who, after five years of apprenticeship as an engineer, with qualifications which have been outlined to him, was called up and placed in the infantry when he asked to be put in the R.E.M.E.

Mr. Bellenger

My hon. Friend will by now have received my letter of 31st October.

114. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War why a regimental quartermaster, No. 3649262, who left the Army on 4th June last, has not yet received the pension for his 21 years' service payable to him under paragraph 390 of the King's Regulations; and how soon will the first payment be made.

Mr. Bellenger

This warrant officer was erroneously released before the completion of his engagement, which was not due to expire until 1948, and in circumstances which would not normally have entitled him to a Service pension. It has now been decided to make him a special award, and he will already have received a notification of this from the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.