§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the question of compensation payments for disabled ex-Marine Martin Kettrick was first raised with his Department by the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South; on how many occasions it has been raised since and in what form; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe right hon. Gentleman first raised the case of Martin Kettrick in a letter to my Department in March 1982. It has been raised since on a considerable number of occasions, both in correspondence and in the House. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, Mr. 275W Kettrick has submitted a case for consideration by the Defence council under the procedures which provide for submission for redress of grievance. A decision is expected to be made on this shortly.