asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total number of all ranks involved in administering the transit camp in Folkestone; the maximum numbers accommodated in the camp during October; and if he is satisfied that it is more economical in overheads to have this camp located in scattered billets in civilian houses and hotels than to locate it in Shorncliffe Camp, which is two miles from Folkestone Harbour.

:Four hundred and forty-eight all ranks are at present employed; during October, the maximum number accommodated in the camp on any one day was 3,340, the total for the month being about 92,000. The camp is shortly being moved to Shorncliffe.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds the use of physical violence by nursing orderlies at the psycho-neurotic centre of the 12th British General Hospital, M.E.F., has been permitted upon patients who are convalescent from tuberculosis; whether he is aware that several patients have already had their tubercular condition aggravated as a result of their treatment at this hospital; and what has been the result of his inquiry into the allegations against this hospital, details of which have already been supplied to him.

I am not aware that the conditions are as stated, but I have made inquiries and when the results are received I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Marine Batson, CH/X 108132, escaped from the Stakehill military detention barracks on or about 28th October last; and whether he has since been recaptured.

I am aware of his escape. No report of his recapture has yet been received by the War Office.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suspend punishment of recaptured men pending the publication of the findings of the court of inquiry?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will see that Private Greenwood, 14973322, is credited with his previous service in the Royal Navy for the purposes of demobilisation.

This has already been done, and his release group correctly assessed. He forfeited a short period of service whilst in the Royal Navy. This has necessarily been excluded.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 7649588 Private Lynham was called to the Forces on 28th July, 1945, was accused of being a deserter since 17th October, 1940, and punished with 14 days' loss of pay; and whether, in view of the fact that the first notice this man received directing him to report for service was dated 20th July, 1945, and that he had been continuously employed for ten years previously by his employers who were engaged on vital war work, he will take steps to cancel this punishment.

I am aware of this case. The soldier did not comply with an en- listment notice ordering him to report on 17th October, 1940; it has been ascertained that this notice was correctly posted under the provisions of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939. He was ordered to join in July, 1945, following investigations, and did so. I see no reason to interfere with the award of forfeiture of pay for absence without leave, which was made in accordance with the appropriate section of the Army Act.

May I ask the Minister if he is aware that this man did not receive the original notice of enlistment, that he was informed he had served 18 months in an Army Training Corps and six months in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and that he was a deserter from the Army when, as a matter of fact, he had not been in the Army at all and the first enlistment order he received was dated 20th July, 1945?

All I can say is that in the circumstances I do not think this man got off so badly. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I will state the circumstances. I understand that it had been ascertained that the original notice was posted to him correctly. He elected to accept of his own free will the commanding officer's award of punishment rather than to go for trial by court-martial. He was awarded forfeiture of 14 days' pay for absence without leave from 2nd August, 1942, and in the circumstances he was not punished for desertion or absence without leave from the 17th October, 1940, to 1st August, 1942. His punishment for that period was barred by the Army Act. In the circumstances he elected to accept the judgment given.

May I ask what proof is demanded by the Act of Parliament in question, and, in this case, what evidence was accepted as to who posted the envelope, and when, and where?

That is a detailed question which, I think, would require a rather more detailed answer, and I would like to see it on the Paper.

Can the Minister say why these notices, which are rather important to the men concerned, are not registered?

I believe, as a matter of fact, they are now, but I am not quite sure.

While thanking the Minister for the reply, I would again like to ask if he is aware that this man did not receive his original notice of enlistment, that he did not attempt to evade service, that he was continuously employed by his employers who were engaged on important war work for ten consecutive years, and whether the Minister will not consider cancelling this punishment, which I think is most undeserved and unfair?

In view of the facts of this case, I did investigate it to the best of my ability and I gave the answer on the facts supplied to me, but, if my hon. Friend desires it, and I would certainly desire it, I would like to discuss the matter with him so that he can put the matter in detail before me.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 457963 Lance-Bombardier Gribben, No. 4 Liaison H.Q., British, B.A.O.R., was permitted to remain in the hospital of the Polish Field Ambulance, detailed to him by the hon. Member for Spen Valley, where sanitary conditions were deplorable, where there were no English-speaking personnel, and where he received no mail; whether Lance-Bombardier Gribben has now been removed to a British hospital and is receiving the treatment he requires; and if assurances will be given that British units will exercise proper supervision over the health and living conditions of men who are on detached service.

This soldier was examined by a Polish medical officer, was admitted to the Polish Reception Station on 15th November, and transferred to a British medical unit on 3rd December. On transfer his condition was good, and he seemed to be quite happy. The sanitary condition of the Polish unit was good, but the food was not up to British standards. It is not always possible for soldiers in small detachments to be looked after by one of their own medical officers, but the Polish units have been asked to transfer any British patients as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to state the approximate dates of release of officers in Group 22 and subsequent groups.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the reasons for the delay in demobilisation of officers in the Royal Signals falling in Groups 21, 22 and 23; whether he is aware that Royal Signals personnel in S.E.A.C. have recently had their leave stopped; and whether he is prepared to ensure that officers and other ranks in this corps are demobilised pari passu with those of other corps in the Army and that their normal leave facilities are granted them as in the case of other corps.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to give specific dates by which the various groups of officers who have been held back will be released, so that these officers may make revised arrangements for taking up their peacetime careers and re-establishing their homes.

The revised dates for normal releases of officers are as follow: —

When will it be possible to announce the dates of release of officers in groups subsequent to No. 24?

I should like to see that Question on the Order Paper.

Will the Secretary of State arrange with the Minister of Labour to publish another edition of the Demobilisation pamphlet, so that, with these changes, it may be brought up to date?

I will draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to that suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware than an order was issued in India Command in the first week in November that all demobilisation and repatriation of British personnel in the R.W.A.F.F. would cease until all the Africans had been returned to their homes; whether he will give the reasons for the issue of this order; and whether he has any further comments to make upon it.

This matter has already been the subject of numerous Questions by hon. Members. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend particularly to the replies I gave on 13th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Horn-castle (Commander Maitland) and on 4th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cambridge (Major Symonds).

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how long this is going on?

As a matter of fact, these men are being repatriated now. There is no standstill, they are now being repatriated, and as far as these officers and N.C.Os. are concerned, I think most people realise that they are the leaders of the men and are necessary until the repatriation is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of men in release Group 23, serving in a unit of B.A.O.R., of whose identity he has been informed, have been notified that they are to leave for home on 18th and 19th December; and if, since the journey to the United Kingdom customarily takes at least four days, he will cause the departure of these men to be so expedited that they will be released from the Army not later than 20th December, the date officially announced as the latest for the release of Group 23, and thus be enabled to spend Christmas at their homes.

These men should be home by Christmas unless sailings have to be cancelled at the last moment, but I do not feel justified in taking special steps to get them home out of their turn.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that they are not asking to be brought home out of their turn, but in their turn, so that they can be demobilised with the rest of their group, and that they will not be home for Christmas unless he flies them home or takes some other special steps?

I have stated that the men will be home by Christmas unless something unforeseen happens to the transport.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to issue a statement regarding the release of members of the special communications unit, as promised in a letter dated 6th November, to the hon. Member for Heston and Isleworth.

This question has been under consideration since the letter was sent to my hon. Friend. It has been decided that, since the need for them continues, the men must be retained either until they become redundant or until they qualify for release under the release scheme, whichever is the earlier.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the serious concern felt by men in this unit regarding the constant chopping and changing in the conditions of demobilisation, and in the amount of gratuities and leave granted to them, and will he have special inquiries made?

I am not aware of the facts stated. I will have some inquiries made, but these men are a special class. They will be released if they are redundant, but otherwise they cannot be released in advance of their group any more than other men.

Will my right hon. Friend say why they are being retained, because my information is that there is not very much work on hand at the present time?

I will make inquiries on the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 10,000 agricultural workers to be given Class B block releases are to be taken from the Army; what conditions with regard to the age and length of service categories of these men will be applied; and how many men will be released during the next three months, respectively.

I understand the Army quota is about 6,700. In selecting for bulk release the usual preference will be given to the earlier age and service groups but I cannot yet say how many groups will be affected nor how many releases will be made in each of the next three months. The latter depends largely on the numbers who happen to be serving abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether British men compulsorily transferred from the R.W.A.F.F. to the Indian Army are outside the provisions of regulations for release from the Army.

So far as can be discovered in the time available, no British Army officers or other ranks in the R.W.A.F.F. have been transferred to the Indian Army. Personnel of the Indian Army are dealt with under the Indian Army demobilisation scheme, and not under the Release Regulations.

Will my right hon. Friend see if he can expedite the release of these men in India in view of the very considerable dissatisfaction that prevails in respect to their present circumstances?

I will note the suggestion made by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the release of officers of the R.A.P.C. is being deferred, despite the fact that in many offices their numbers arc increasing.

Pay Offices are under very great pressure because of the mass of extra work thrown on them by the release scheme. Despite the efforts made to obtain suitable officers to cope with the extra work, and as replacements of those due for release, it has been necessary to defer release in some cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those conditions do not obtain in certain offices of which I have knowledge, and will he take action if I give him information of specific cases?

I am not aware of it, and I would be surprised if there was any slackness in these Pay Offices, because Pay and Records are kept fully employed in matters of demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Horsforth Urban District Council are unable to commence their housing scheme of 144 houses until their two surveyors, Captain Dean and Lieutenant Marsden, are released from the Army; that in October the Minister of Health recommended the release of both men; if they are to be offered demobilisation under Class B; and when they are likely to be released from the Army.

Both officers were in India. Release instructions were sent in October. I have no information as to the present position, but am making inquiries and will inform the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will review his decision not to release from the Forces men who have suffered permanent disabilities through wounds, such as the loss of an eye, and who will be entitled to disability pensions on discharge, as in the case of Trooper J. Bernardo, who lost an eye in Italy on 10th February, 1945, and who is now serving with N.A.A.F.I. in Austria after being posted from the Reconnaissance Corps to the R.A.S.C./E.F.I. be cause of his disability.

No, Sir. It is still necessary to retain men who are below the highest medical category for certain types of work, and I am unable to make any exception in favour of the soldier named.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that distress has been caused to some aliens who voluntarily joined the British Army by a recent Southern Command Order to the effect that aliens who are not residents of this country when joining the British Army would not be released in their age and service groups; for how long the release of such aliens will be deferred; and whether, after demobilisation, they will be given the same opportunity as other aliens in the British Forces to remain and take up work in this country, and to be considered for naturalisation.

As I have previously explained to hon. Members, soldiers are normally released in the country in which they enlisted, and I am unable at present to make any exceptions in favour of men who claim that they intend to apply for naturalisation. The men concerned can be released under the ordinary rules as soon as their group is reached. Any delay is due entirely to their wish to remain in this country after release, a matter which is under consideration with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, in connection with his statement on 15th November.

Is it not both ungrateful and short sighted, in view of the impending decline in our population, to put impediments in the way of men who served us voluntarily and now want to become citizens of this country?

It is a matter on which I can do nothing personally. My right hon. Friend made a statement on this matter on 15th November to the effect that he was giving consideration to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to announce the particulars regarding the entitlement of temporary officers to a civilian clothing outfit on leaving the Services.

Yes, Sir. Such officers will now become entitled to the outfit, where eligible, if they ceased to draw Service pay on or after 16th October, 1944. An announcement to this effect, inviting applications from the individuals concerned, is about to be made in the Press. In the case of temporary women officers the same procedure will apply, except that they will receive the allowance of £ 12 10s. od. instead of a civilian clothing outfit.

Why that particular date? Why was the line drawn there, because it is bound to cause some hardship?

I understand that it was really a question of administration. The further you go back, the more difficult it is to get hold of the people concerned. It is partly administration and partly a matter of supplying the suits, which is a very great difficulty at the present moment.

Besides giving the announcement in the Press, could the Secretary of State arrange that the individual officers should be notified, as we are getting a lot of correspondence on this matter and the officers say they cannot get any satisfactory reply from their own Record Office?

I said that an announcement to this effect, inviting applications from individuals concerned, is about to be made in the Press.

But cannot they be notified individually?

I said so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that equity should come before administration?

I said it is a question of administration and production.

asked the Secretary of State for War why orders were given that no coloured soldiers should be admitted to a military dance at the Slade Club, Abbasia, on Wednesday, 17th October; why a Jamaican lance-sergeant was turned away from this dance and insulted, although accompanied by two white other ranks; and whether he will give instructions that no further orders discriminating againstany coloured soldiers in His Majesty's forces shall be issued in M.E.F.

I have called for a full report and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the outcome.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make it clear that commanding officers of forces overseas are acting improperly when providing in orders that soldiers' letters to Members of Parliament have to pass through orderly rooms to be censored.

There is no longer any unit censorship of soldiers' letters. If my hon. Friend knows of a case of the type referred to, and will send me particulars, I will have it investigated.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the depots of certain regiments have still not received a proper supply of Army Form B2068, on which all applications for the Defence Medal have to be made; and whether he will expedite the supply of these forms, in view of the fact that the war in Europe ended nearly eight months ago.

This form had to be revised owing to changes in the conditions governing the issue of awards, and it was delayed on that account. Distribution to Commands has now been completed.

asked the Secretary to State for War whether he is aware that the depots of some regiments have only just received a proper supply of Army Form B2070, which is necessary for applications for all campaign stars; and what is the reason for this and the consequent delay in authorising soldiers to wear the ribbons to which they are entitled.

There has been no delay because of the fact that the relevant form was not available. Authority was given in June last for the issue of the campaign star ribbons on a provisional basis subject to verification later.

asked the Secretary of State for War why officers employed in the Army Education Corps in C.M.F. who are not being offered Class B releases, and are mostly schoolmasters are not being employed on E.V.T. but on administrative and staff work.

I am not aware that the A.E.C. officers are being employed in C.M.F. on duties unconnected with education. There are of course certain administrative duties in connection with this scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in H.Q., B.A.O.R., the Army Education Scheme as set out in A.C.I. has been so emasculated, both in the spirit and the letter, as to cause discontent among men and women personnel; and will he cause immediate investigation to be made into this complaint so that the grievance may be remedied.

I am inquiring into this matter and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider issuing a distinctive flash to repatriated prisoners of war.

Flashes worn on battle-dress are regimental and not individual distinctions, but I am looking into the whole question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet reached a decision regarding the Spanish Republicans at present held as prisoners of war in this country.

I hope to make an announcement within the next few days.

Does the Minister realise the great dissatisfaction that is being caused in wide circles by his failure to make up his mind on this question?

I told the hon. Member that I will be in a position to make a statement on this matter within a few days, and I do not think it will be unsatisfactory, either.

Is the Minister aware that British intelligence officers recently visited the camp and took the names of men who wished to go to France, and told the other men, who did not want to go to France, that they will have to stay in the camp, and remain in this country? Was it on his instructions that this was done? It has caused very great dissatisfaction.

That is rather a different matter. I should like to see that down on the Paper. I must say that this question is extremely complicated and is not as plain—[Hon. Members: "Why? "] There are a good many sides to it and I am hoping the answer I will give later on will give a good deal more satisfaction.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to announce any change of policy affecting the rate of exchange of charitable contributions made by officers and other ranks prisoners of war.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on this Question about which I have been in communication with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to announce any change of policy affecting the rate of exchange of saving from pay received by repatriated prisoners of war who worked in the camps as batmen, orderlies or otherwise.

Yes, Sir. Such savings are now being treated as savings of working pay and converted into sterling at the preferential rate of Rm.15 to the £.

May I ask whether other ranks should apply for the balance due to them, or will it come through the usual channels?

I think I had better see that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any King's medals for courage arid associated medals have yet been awarded to French men and women who aided our nationals during the German occupation.

A list of recommendations for various awards, including the King's Medal for Courage in the cause of freedom, is now with the French Government, and we await their reply. Some awards other than the medal named have already been granted.

In view of the time which it has taken to reach this stage, may I ask the Minister whether we must anticipate an equivalent lapse of time before these awards are finally made; and will he expedite the matter, because it is of real value between the two nationals?

I take note of the point and benefit by it.

Could other countries, such as Holland and Belgium, be considered broadly in this list of decorations?

I shall have to see that Question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the restoration of self-government to Newfoundland.

asked the Prime Minister what is the policy of His Majesty's Government concerning the future of Newfoundland.

I propose, with Mr. Speaker's permission, to make a statement at the end of Questions.

In pursuance of the statement of policy made on behalf of the Coalition Government in December, 1943, which they fully endorse. His Majesty's Government have decided to set up in Newfoundland next year, as early as climatic conditions permit, an elected National Convention of Newfoundlanders. Elections to the Convention will be held broadly on the basis of the former Parliamentary constituencies. All adults will be entitled to vote, and candidates for election will be required to be bona fide residents in the districts they seek to represent. The Convention will be presided over by a judge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland, and its terms of reference will be as follows:

" To consider and discuss amongst themselves, as elected representatives of the Newfoundland people, the changes that have taken place in the financial and economic situation of the Island since 1934, and bearing in mind the extent to which the high revenues of recent years have been due to wartime conditions, to examine the position of the country and to make recommendations to His Majesty's Gov- emment as to possible forms of future government to be put before the people at a national referendum."

In order to assist the Convention, His Majesty's Government will make available to it when it meets the services of an expert adviser who could give guidance on constitutional forms and procedure; and they will also prepare for use of the Convention a factual and objective statement of the Island's financial and economic situation. This statement will be made available to Parliament at the same time.

In the meantime it is, of course, most important that the series of reconstruction measures which the Commission of Government already have in hand or are planning to introduce should proceed without interruption, and these will be pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The Commission have a full programme designed to meet the more pressing requirements of the Island over the next two or three years.

Our relations with Newfoundland have been so special and Newfoundlanders have played such a gallant part in the war that it would, I know, be the wish of us all to assure to any new Government which may take over in the Island the fairest possible start. But we must above all be careful not to promise what we may not be able to perform, and the special difficulties of our financial position over the next few years may well preclude us from undertaking fresh commitments.

The object of the procedure which His Majesty's Government propose is to enable the people of the Island to come to a free and informed decision as to their future form of government. I know the House, which has always been solicitous for their welfare, will wish them well in the exercise of their choice.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to accept the support of my hon. Friends on this side of the House in the step which he has just announced which, if I may so, seems a wise one in the interests of Newfoundland itself? We hope it will have the result we all desire, for we all feel a sense of gratitude for the contribution that that country has made during the years through which we have just passed.

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman.

With regard to the Prime Minister's announcement, it seemed to me that it was the biggest blot on our democratic system that a nation that had self-government for many years should have it taken away. The Prime Minister mentioned that expert help would be sent out in the election of the Convention. Would he consider sending out now one or more additional Commissioners who would have the duty of assisting the islanders to prepare for the elections and the referendums?

I will certainly ask my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Dominions to consider that matter, but I would have thought they could have gone ahead with the election preparations. The kind of help which they need and which we intend to send to them is the technical help on. constitutional and financial matters and so forth. If there were any need for more Commissioners, we would certainly send them provided we could do so.