§ 66. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps will be taken to bring back to the Colours time-expired soldiers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe Bill, as at present drafted, refers only to men who are ordinarily resident in Great Britain.
§ 69. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether time-expired non-commissioned officers who have taken their discharge, and who will be re-enlisted under the terms of the Military Service Bill, will be reinstated in their old rank?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir.
§ 71. Mr. CROOKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether time-expired men recalled to the Colours under the Military Service Bill will retain the rank held by them when they left the Service; whether each man will have choice of unit or be compelled to rejoin his former unit; whether any bounty and, if so, how much will be paid on rejoining or at the conclusion of service; and whether the previous service will count towards pension?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)These matters were dealt with fully yesterday.
§ 82. Mr. BLISSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men who have served their full time in the Army, having received non-commissioned rank at the front and received their discharge will, when they are returned to the Army under the Military Service Bill, retain their rank or have to re-enter as privates?
§ Mr. TENNANTMen will return to the Army with the non-commissioned rank which they held at the time of discharge.