§ 93. Mr. Montagueasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the late Gunner George Parrish, paratrooper, 42, Arundel Square, N.7, who died in hospital while on leave after instructions had been forwarded from his depot to send for an ambulance, full particulars being in military possession; whether he is aware that a military funeral has been refused by his relatives for private reasons; why a police van and three constables were sent to his home to arrest this gunner for being absent without leave when the coffin was ready for interment; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BellengerI have ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances in which this most unfortunate mistake occurred and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have received a report. In the meantime I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my regret for the distress caused to the relatives of the late Gunner Parrish.