Dr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for War when it is expected to secure the release from the Russian Zone of Germany of a 19 year-old National Service- 5W man, Sapper John William Bennett of Luton, who was detained by the Russians on 6th September, 1950, after being left behind by a Berlin-bound troop train which had stopped at a station in the Russian Zone.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesI regret that I am unable to state how soon the Soviet authorities will release Sapper Bennett. His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow has pointed out to the Soviet Government that there is no justification whatsoever for the detention of Sapper Bennett and will continue to make every effort to secure his return, as will the British authorities in Germany.