§ 37. Mr. PERKINSasked the Under-Secretary for War whether any members of His Majesty's naval or military forces have been allowed since the commencement of the War to retire or leave the Services for their own convenience or at the termination of their naval or military engagements; and, if so, whether the Government proposes to take the necessary steps to prevent the possible recurrence of this loss of trained men?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs regards non-commissioned officers and men those whose engagements have expired have been discharged as soon as circumstances permitted of their being brought home for discharge. In the case of officers, there have been one or two cases in which retirement was allowed in special circumstances. Steps have been taken by the offer of a bounty to induce time-expired non-commissioned officers and men to remain in the Army. As regards the naval part of the question, I would ask the hon. Gentleman to address himself to the Admiralty.