HC Deb 15 October 1946 vol 427 cc155-6W
25. Mr. Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the sergeant in the R.A.M.C., about whose case representations have been made to him by the hon. Member for Oxford, was kept in close arrest for seven months in Cairo pending charges for which he was acquitted; why letters were stopped; whether he is aware that by reason of his being held incommunicado his wife miscarried and his mother died; and what is the reason for the delay in the report for which he has called from the M.E.F.

Mr. Bellenger

As I informed the hon. Member by letter on 2nd October, the proceedings of the trial have been received but I am still awaiting a report on the delay and the stoppage of letters. I propose to look into the whole matter personally when the proceedings have been examined and the further information is received, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

98. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has refused to release 10569824 Private J. Stewart, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire, as a named key worker under category B to resume his position as welder, manager and partner in the firm of B.S.K. Industries, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in spite of the application for his release being sponsored by the Ministry of Works since last January; and whether he is aware that as a result of this refusal B.S.K. Industries have had to dismiss most of their staff.

Mr. Bellenger

This soldier was nominated in March, 1946, by the Ministry of Works for consideration for release in Class B as a welder under a "bulk" quota. He was not offered out of turn release in Class B in view of the shortness of his Army service.

Mr. Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War when the findings of the Court of Inquiry into the death of Warrant Officer, 2nd Class, Mann, R.A.C., M.E.L.F., on 18th July, 1946, are to be made known; and when the witnesses detained in connection with the case, are to be allowed to return to the United Kingdom for demobilisation, repatriation on long service grounds, etc.

Mr. Bellenger

No details of this case are available in the War Office. I have called for a report and will write to the hon. Member.