§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if his attention has been called to the case of Justin Lincoln Asquith Wickramaratne, a national Service man, who, having completed his whole-time service in the Royal Air Force, declined to report for training in the H Reserve on 6th June, 1953, on the ground of conscientious objection, was arrested on 4th August, held in close arrest until 15th September, court-martialled at West Drayton on 15th September and sentenced to 112 days' imprisonment, and was discharged by 122W recommendation of the advisory tribunal on 26th October; and if he will give instructions that such offenders shall not be kept under close arrest for so long a period and shall be released on parole after being charged.
Mr. WardEvery effort is made to bring an accused airman to trial as quickly as possible. I regret the delay in this case, but it was unavoidable. It is already laid down that commanding officers should only keep an accused airman under close arrest in exceptional circumstances. The hon. Member will appreciate that Mr. Wickramaratne had no permanent address at the time in question and had already refused to obey orders.