28. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. HOPEasked the Secretary of State for War whether commanding officers render a return of the exact duties on which men are employed who are now eligible for immediate demobilisation, but who are being retained as indispensables for the work of demobilisation; how often this return is rendered; and who examines this return?
Captain GUESTMen detailed for release as pivotal men are only retained 1047 for military duties under written authority of the General Officer Commanding in Company concerned, and for most exceptional reasons. Men, if demobilisable in accordance with Army Order 55 of 1919, whose special release is ordered, or for whom release slips have been received, or who have received contract offers of employment, are not retained for military duties without the written sanction of an officer not below the status of a brigade commander. The retention of pivotal and special release men is communicated to the War Office; apart from this no return is rendered of the nature referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.
Sir J. HOPEWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of the rendering of this nominal return giving the employment in which these men are employed when they are retained?
Captain GUESTThe work of the Labour Office in connection with demobilisation is almost excessive at the present moment.