51. Captain COOTEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received any resolutions from county councils to the effect that the retention of 10 per cent. of soldiers of agricultural companies is quite inadequate; and whether he intends to take any notice of these resolutions and is prepared to make any further concessions?
Captain GUESTYes, Sir; representations have been received from various sources as to the inadequacy of the 10 per cent. allowed for retention, but, as my right hon. Friend stated in the House on the 13th instant, this percentage has recently been raised to 20 per cent., and, in addition, any men whose applications for demobilisation as pivotal men had 374 been sanctioned by the Ministry of Labour before the 1st February last, may be allowed to remain at their work if required.