HC Deb 29 October 1946 vol 428 cc74-5W
94. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private H. M. Johnson, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, 1 Company, 4 Wing, B.B.R.C., Kalyan, India, has been under arrest for nine months apparently awaiting a court martial; for how much longer it is proposed to detain him without trial; and why he is now a private when immediately before his arrest he was an officer.

Mr. Bellenger

Private Johnson was arrested by the civil authorities on 18th February and was handed over to military custody on 15th March. Since then lengthy investigation has been necessary in many parts of India in connection with the charges against him. I am hoping for further information very shortly. Private Johnson resigned his commission with effect from 20th November, 1945, as a result of an adverse report. He was re-enlisted in the ranks but went absent in January. When arrested in February he was a private.

97. Mr. Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to reply to the hon. Member for Oxford City, regarding the cases of Private Johnson and Sergeant Cubberley.

Mr. Bellenger

The hon. Member should by now have received the letters sent to him yesterday about these two soldiers.

Lieut.-Colonel Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for War why 5723342 Private L., who completed his colour service in 1936, was recalled from demobilisation leave in September, 1946, to complete his colour service; and the approximate date when the hon. and gallant Member for Spen Valley may expect a reply to his letter, dated 9th September, requesting that fair treatment be given to this soldier.

Mr. Bellenger

Private L. was correctly recalled because he had been erroneously released. His colour service was not due to expire till August, 1947, since he was twice convicted of desertion in 1940 and forfeited all his previous service. This soldier's case has been specially considered by the Army Council as a result of representations he had made and the Council have agreed as a special case to restore the service forfeited by desertion. The soldier will therefore now be released.