Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. O. T. Rich, 19, Pound Lane, Canterbury, Army No. 14195310, a Danish subject who joined the British Army as a volunteer through the recruiting office at the Vesterport, Copenhagen, has been discharged in this country on medical grounds after service in the Royal East Kent Regiment and the R.A.M.C.; that the military authorities have refused to allow him to return to Denmark with his wife in accordance with the term of his engagement; that his career as a medical student is thereby being jeopardised: and if he will ensure that immediate steps are taken to repatriate Mr. Rich and his wife.
§ Mr. BellengerThe hon. Member has been misinformed. Mr. Rich has not been refused repatriation. His application to return reached the War Office on 24th January. On 9th February he was asked to forward his Danish visa and his wife's passport so that his passage could be arranged. As they had not been received, a second request for them was sent on 19th February.
§ Mr. Linsteadasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to reply to the inquiry of the hon. Member for Putney, of 29th November, concerning 6921136 Fusilier R. Fisher, at that time in Trieste.
§ Mr. BellengerI regret that I am not yet in a position to let the hon. Member 255W have a final reply, but I am taking steps to expedite this.