§ 44. Mr. R. MCNEILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether orders have been issued in the Eastern Command for interchange of guards belonging to the Royal Defence Corps between Faversham, Chilworth, Reigate, and other places; whether he is aware that many of the men joined the corps on the understandig that they were to be employed locally; that they own in many cases gardens or allotments for which they have procured seed and made other outlay of money with a view to cultivation, which they will be unable to proceed with if moved to a distance; if he will say for what reason it is deemed necessary to cause financial loss and personal inconvenience to these men by moving them from their homes and families; and whether, unless there is urgent reason for the order in the national interest, he will take steps to have it rescinded?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware of the nature of the orders issued by the Eastern Command, but I would remind my hon. Friend that men of the Royal Defence Corps are enlisted for service in any part of the Kingdom. I am afraid that it is not possible to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestions.
§ Mr. McNEILLIs my hon. Friend aware that an Order of this sort, unless there is urgent cause for it, is considerably vexatious and discourages men from joining these corps, and will he ascertain the reason for the Order, and unless it is grounded on good reasons have it rescinded?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. Friend must be aware that service in the Home Forces is unconditional and that any man is liable to be transferred to any part of the Kingdom.
§ Mr. McNEILLBut it does not follow because the terms of service are unconditional, that therefore an unreasonable Order should be issued?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware that any unreasonable Order has been issued, but I will have inquiries made and put it to the test.
§ Mr. McNEILLI am much obliged.