§ COLONEL DALBIAC (Camberwell, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War will he explain how it happened that large numbers of Reservists were called up whose services were not required and for whom there was no barrack accommodation; and whether, considering that these men were com- 1227 pelled to proceed on furlough and idle their time at home, when they need not have been called up till required; and consequently might have continued their ordinary occupations, they will be granted some compensation, or at least their railway fares on returning to their homes and rejoining.
* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMSCertain artificers in Section D of the Reserve were urgently required; but as the law now stands Section D cannot be called up until after the whole of Sections A, B, and C have been called up. As not very many men remained in those sections they were called up; but as they were not wanted immediately they were granted furlough if they desired it, and allowed to return to their occupations, the rules as to wearing uniform being at the same time relaxed. As such men are granted travelling expenses and the pay of their rank with 9d. a day for rations and messing instead of Reserve pay, they gain considerably by the transaction.