Personal Case

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 2 Ebrill 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton 12:00, 2 Ebrill 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Air why 147713 Corporal R. Houghton, due for release on 1st March, 1947, has not yet been demobilised.

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

Corporal Houghton was kept in Italy because he was needed as a witness at a court of inquiry. I am glad to tell my hon. Friend, however, that he left Italy for the United Kingdom two days ago and that he will shortly be released.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that it was necessary to delay the release of this corporal, who was one of 15 witnesses at a court of inquiry into an event which took place on 14th January last?

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

Yes, Sir. I have inquired into that, and I am satisfied it was necessary to keep them.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr District of Burghs

On a point of Order. Is not this one of those questions which, in your opinion, Mr. Speaker, might have been better asked by means of a letter to the Minister, rather than by taking up time and wasting money?

Photo of Mr Douglas Clifton Brown Mr Douglas Clifton Brown , Hexham

That is entirely for the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton).