HC Deb 29 June 1916 vol 83 cc1028-9
62. Mr. FERENS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many gunners and drivers in the Royal Field Artillery in Hull have been told that they are to be transferred to an Infantry battalion, namely, the Northumberland Fusiliers; whether he is aware that these men enlisted under the Derby scheme, and were distinctly told by advertisement and by recruiting officers that they were to have the right to choose the regiment they preferred; and will he take steps to rectify what the men look upon as a breach of good faith?

Mr. TENNANT

Men who enlisted under the Derby scheme were given the right to indicate a choice of regiment, but no absolute pledge was given, and there can be no question, I think, of breach of faith. The expression by any man of a choice does not, of course, render him free from liability to be transferred to another corps, if this is required by military considerations under the powers conferred by the Military Service Act. The men in question are not required in the Artillery but are required in the Infantry. I sympathise with their disappointment, but they will, I am sure, realise that the Army Council have to act primarily in the national interest, and if they are told that the best service they can render to their country is by serving in the Infantry, I cannot but think that they will give that service cheerfully.

Mr. FERENS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action of the authorities is causing great dissatisfaction, disaffection, and even desertions?

Mr. TENNANT

I think if my right hon. Friend had followed the whole of this controversy he would know of the trouble we had in passing through this House the Act giving us power to make these transfers against the will of the men themselves and would realise there is the greatest necessity for it, and that we should not have incurred all this displeasure and odium for nothing. I would ask him to use his great influence with these men and represent to them that what they are doing is of the greatest national importance, and that they are serving their country in the best way by these means, and ask them to accept the position cheerfully.