§ 84. Mr. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Army Form W. 3236 has been addressed to a man named C. S. H. Oliver (Regimental No. C/203), New Cross, dated 23rd February, 1916, warning him that he is required to join for service with the Colours on 10th March under the provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916; whether he is aware that the above-named man enlisted on the 26th November, 1915, and is now serving (No. 4802) in D Company, 2/20th County of London Regiment, at Warminster; whether this man was included in the 650,000 unattested single men, notwithstanding the fact that he was married and had enlisted; and whether he will institute inquiries with a view to preventing annoyance and waste of time and money by adopting some system which would also avert the Military Service Act, 1916, being violated in this manner?
§ Mr TENNANTIf the facts are as stated in the question, it would appear that a mistake has been made. This is a matter for regret, but, in view of the enormous burden of work which the recruiting authorities had to deal with in the last few months, a mistake is not altogether surprising. I cannot see that the man in question has suffered any damage.