§ 7. Mr. JOWETTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain officers in command of batteries at the front have informed men who are approaching the end of their term of service, including the extra twelve months required from them owing to the country being in a state of war, that they must not expect to be discharged when the term of their service has been completed; and whether, having regard to the provisions of Section 87 of the Army Act, 1911, he will make it clear, by means of a statement in this House or in some other way, that soldiers who have completed their period of service in accordance with the provisions of the Act of Parliament referred to will be granted their discharge without question, leaving it to the soldier, in all cases, to re-enlist if he thinks fit?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy hon. Friend may rest assured that the provisions of Section 87 of the Army Act will be observed in all respects. I am sure that any commanding officer who may have mentioned this matter to his men will not have done more than make an appeal to their patriotism, and I think we may have no doubt that such an appeal, if made, will not fall on deaf ears.