§ 74. Mr. YEOasked the Under-Secretary for War whether time-expired men with thirteen years' service are encouraged to remain in the Service or whether, if they are to remain in the Army, they are compelled to take their discharge and to reenlist on worse terms as regards proficiency pay and pension than if they had been in continuous service; and whether there has recently been any alteration in the Regulations with regard to this matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe men in question are encouraged to remain on the same terms as before. The second part of the question, i.e., that which inquires whether men who wish to remain in the Army are compelled to take their discharge, does not, therefore, arise. Fresh instructions were issued on the 30th October last.
§ 84. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary for War if he will state the procedure to be adopted by a private soldier on active service whose time has expired and who wishes to return home; and if he will state whether any men of the l/24th London Regiment upon whom there is now no obligation to serve have been unable to secure release from service?
§ Mr. TENNANTA soldier should make application through his company officer. As regard's the second part of the question, I am not aware if there are any cases such as my hon. Friend describes, but if he will furnish me with particulars, giving details of the man's number, name and unit, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.