§ 38. Major HENDERSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men of the Royal Air Force are being offered early demobilisation provided they accept a scheme of deferred payment; if he will state when this scheme was introduced; and whether he is aware that this system lays itself open, to the argument that a man must accept the scheme, whether he likes it or not, unless he wishes his demobilisation to be delayed?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)I am aware of this scheme referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. It was introduced about the end of January last solely with the object of suiting the convenience of men who were in a hurry to take up jobs in civil life. It has the effect of enabling men who voluntarily adopt it to be demobilised more speedily than would otherwise be possible. No man who refuses to accept the scheme loses his turn for ordinary demobilisation, which goes on continuously at a fixed rate. I may add that the adoption of the scheme reduces the expenditure incurred. From every point of view the scheme is much to be commended.