§ 42. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for War why the relatives of Private J. Raybone, 23785290, in Lady-wood, Birmingham, were not informed until 20th October of the fact that he was known to be missing from Queens-hill Camp, Hong Kong, since 19th June last; what efforts have been made to trace this soldier; and what information he has about the reasons for his absence.
§ Mr. ProfumoExcept for soldiers under the age of 18, there are no regulations about informing relatives in this sort of case. It is left to the discretion of commanding officers.
Private Raybone was apprehended on 9th December. I regret that I cannot at this stage disclose details of the reason for his absence, as the case is sub judice.