HC Deb 06 May 1947 vol 437 cc26-8W
43. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for North Hammersmith may expect to receive an answer to his letters of 10th and 29th March, 1947, relating to the revision of a court-martial sentence.

Mr. Bellenger

I hope to write to the hon. and learned Member shortly about this case.

92. Mr. Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to announce if the soldier of the 2nd Battalion, D.L.I., now stationed in the S.E.A.C., whose mother is suffering from cancer in an advanced stage and regarding which case full details were sent by the hon. Member for Newcastle, Central on 16th April, has now been granted immediate compassionate home posting; whether he is further aware that this soldier was granted compassionate leave for one month in the United Kingdom early this year but was then returned to S.E.A.C., his application for extension of leave being unsuccessful in spite of the fact that the Army authorities were aware of the medical facts; and if he will make a statement on this case.

Mr. Bellenger

I regret that there is little I can add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to a previous question about this case on 2nd April. The soldier did not apply for an extension of the five weeks compassionate leave which was granted to him earlier this year. In view of the fact that there are three other members of the family available, and as, unfortunately, there is no medical evidence to suggest that the soldier's presence could materially affect his mother's condition, I am sorry that there do not appear to be grounds for making any further recommendation to the overseas command.

95. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the charge against 7021616 Rifleman R. Smith has been summarily disposed of; and when he is to be discharged in accordance with the assurance given to the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick, on 6th March.

Mr. Bellenger

Instructions have recently been issued for Rifleman Smith's discharge to be carried out and the balance of his sentence is being remitted with effect from date of discharge. No action will be taken in respect of the outstanding charge of absence from 10th December, 1946, to 8th January, 1947.

Mr. Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to announce his decision in the case of 14635167 Sapper R. Stores, 3 D.B.R.E., application for whose compassionate release was presented, with full details, by the hon. Member for Newcastle, Central, on 16th April, 1947.

Mr. Bellenger

This soldier was under suspended sentence and was not, therefore, eligible for release. The sentence was remitted on 28th April, 1947, and instructions have now been issued for his release.