HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 cc82-3W
136. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken against those responsible for keeping Private H. M. Johnson for nine months in close arrest in a small cell in India whilst investigating charges which were made in March and were followed by summaries of evidence in July and on 9th October; why he was not put under open arrest many months ago; when he will be brought to trial; why his personal letters to England are opened; and what steps will be taken against those who have lost his brief case containing money and personal documents which might be helpful in his defence if he is brought to trial.

Mr. Bellenger

I am not yet in a position to give a full reply, but my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary will discuss this case while in India on his present visit. I have asked him to let me have an early report.

138. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the date of the alleged offence with which Lieut. K. A. Gourley, R.A.O.C., was charged at a court martial opened on 28th October, 1946; and how many days this officer was under arrest pending his court martial.

Mr. Bellenger

I have called for full information on these points and will write to the hon. Member.

143. Mr. Spearman

asked the Secretary of State for War why 2320535 Sergeant C. W. Pask, 3 Squadron, I.H.Q. Signal Regiment, B.A.O.R., who has been recommended for home posting, is being retained as permanent mess caterer for the sergeants' mess on the grounds that this is operationally vital.

Mr. Bellenger

The hon. Member has been misinformed. Sergeant Pask is not being retained as a permanent sergeants' mess caterer. This appointment is one taken in turn by all sergeants in a unit. Sergeant Pask carried it out from 6th October to 8th November. He is a regular soldier who has not yet qualified for repatriation under the Python scheme. He was nominated as suitable for an appointment in this country, subject to a replacement being available. As a replacement could not be provided, he remains in B.A.O.R.

150. Mr. McAdam

asked the Secretary of State for War why the telegram to Mrs. Cowburn, telling her of the dangerous illness of her husband, T/14687234 Driver A. E. Cowburn, R.A.S.C., was delivered to her at midnight on the day following her receipt of a letter conveying the same information; and why she was not notified of the progress of her husband's condition from 5th October, when she was notified that he had been placed on the seriously ill list, until 30th October.

Mr. Bellenger

I cannot trace any telegram sent to Mrs. Cowburn notifying her of her husband's dangerous illness. A letter with this information was sent to her on 21st September, and the next communication from the Record Office was a telegram sent on 24th September in reply to one of her's saying that no further news had been received. I gave an answer to the second part of the Question on 5th November.