§ Sir M. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for war why the hon. Member for Solihull has received no more than an interim reply to his letter of 9th May in regard to the discharge of Sapper Cole.
§ Mr. ProfumoMy inquiries suggested that the best course would be for Sapper Cole to discuss the question of his discharge with his family, and he has been sent on leave to do this. I will let my hon. Friend know the outcome as soon as possible.
§ Sir M. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for War why the hon. Member for Solihull has received no more than interim replies to his urgent letter of 14th May in regard to Driver Fookes' discharge.
§ Mr. ProfumoI am sorry that my hon. Friend should not have had a reply to his letter of 14th May before now. When this soldier first appealed against retention, he produced no evidence in support, and his commanding officer wrote to a building society to obtain evidence on his behalf. The unit were away on exercise when the reply arrived, but the appeal was submitted immediately on their return, and is now under consideration. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.