§ SIR CHARLES DILKETo ask the Secretary of State for War whether Mediterranean stations which count for linking purposes as Home stations under the Short Tour system are being counted as stations beyond the seas for the purpose of keeping time-expired men for an additional twelve months under Section 87 of the Army Act; whether he has any official reports showing that men who extended service to complete eight years with the Colours, and obtain Service Pay, were given to understand that by such extension they did not become liable to serve for another year if abroad on the expiration of the eight years; and whether he is able to make any statement on the subject.
§ (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) In the circumstances at present existing, it has been found necessary to send out Home battalions a year or two before their linked battalion comes home. Such units being on Foreign Service, the men therein are kept for the extra year if abroad. Men who extended to obtain service pay extended to complete a fixed term, and are not, therefore, liable for the extra year in addition. They are brought home just prior to the expiration 1499 of their extended service or with all convenient speed on its termination.