M.P. FINDS SISTER THROUGH SPEECH

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27683, 13 June 1955, Page 11

M.P. FINDS SISTER THROUGH SPEECH

Separated For 30 Years (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 12. Mr Ronald Ledger, M.P., aged 36, who was the first Dr. Barnardo’s Home boy to enter the British Parliament, believes he has found a sister he has not seen for 30 years through his maiden speech to the House of Commons. Making his speech on Friday, Mr Ledger introduced a novel note when discussing nursery schools. He told of a young mother left by her husband with three children, who, because she was unable to keep them, were placed in Dr. Barnardo’s homes. Mr Ledger said: “Thirteen years later one of the three went out into the world to fight the normal battles, and is today a member of this House. 1 “But I have not the slightest idea where my brother, sister, mother, father or any other relative might be,” he said. Mrs Iris Diplock, mother of five children, read in the newspapers yesterday of Mr Ledger's speech and immediately telephoned his home in Middlesex from her home in South London. She said she was sure she was his sister. Mr Ledger was out and she told Mrs Ledger that she was unable to travel because she was expecting a baby. When Mr Ledger heard the news, he sent Mrs Diplock a telegram saying he would see her as soon as he could. He said he was sure of her identity and through her he hoped to trace other members of the family. Mrs Diplock told the “Sunday Express” she saw a resemblance to herself in the picture of Mr Ledger pubHshed in the newspapers with reports of his speech.