§ 40. Mr. RENDALLasked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why Private B. C. Hall, No. 306901, 68th Field Bakery, Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth, is not demobilised; whether he is aware that he joined the Army in January, 1915, was discharged as unfit, and was called up in 1916 and posted B 2; whether, under 1181 these circumstances, he is entitled to be treated as having joined before 1st January, 1916; and, as his place in a bakery is being kept for him at great inconvenience by his employer, he will see that this man is now discharged?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf Private Hall actually performed continuous service with the Colours prior to the 1st January, 1916, and was discharged on account of wounds or sickness, he will be eligible for demobilisation. If he is eligible, he will no doubt be demobilised in due course, but must take his turn in the same way as other soldiers who are eligible.
§ Mr. RENDALLIf the man was discharged unfit before 1916 and then rejoined after 1916, does the right hon. Gentleman regard that as continuous service and entitling the man to his discharge?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNot necessarily; the question is whether the man performed continuous service with the Colours prior to 1916.
§ Mr. RENDALLMy question was: If the man rejoined after 1916 will he be regarded as a person who joined before 1916 and therefore entitled to demobilisation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt depends on the facts whether he would be liable to service or not.