HC Deb 09 August 1916 vol 85 cc1031-2
27. Mr. JACOBSEN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider applications to release from Army service men passed for Home service only who are engaged by the military authorities in inferior clerical and similar duties, which can be performed by other persons, including women, provided such men would appear to be of more national value in their civil occupation, that acceptable substitutes be supplied, and the persons released make themselves efficient members of the Volunteer Defence Corps, or submit to other reasonable conditions of release?

Mr. FORSTER

A scheme of substitution on the lines indicated in tae question is in force already in certain districts, where it has been tried experimentally; as experience is gained by the staffs in the commands, districts and areas, it is being extended to the whole country. In order to secure effective working, the whole scheme is being decentralised so far as possible.

Mr. PRINGLE

When will the scheme be put into operation in the Eastern Command?

Mr. FORSTER

I could not say.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Will any general information be issued so that the public at large may be aware of it?