§ 15. Mr. WATERSONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the need of railway men being released from the forces in order to cope with congested traffic and prevent overtime being worked; if he is aware that many of these men were not allowed to join the forces at the commencement of the War because of their occupation, which was vital to the country; and if he intends now to penalise these men by retaining them in the Army of Occupation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe demobilisation Regulations apply to all men alike. Any of the men referred to by the hon. Member who were applied for by the railway companies and registered by the War Office as pivotal or for special release, or who are otherwise eligible under the Memorandum recently published, will be released in accordance with procedure explained therein. I regret that I can take no special action to release men not provided for in those instructions.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men went to the recruiting offices three or four times, and were turned away because of their occupation, and at the present time they cannot get released from the Army, which is a serious penalisation on them, and is causing congestion of traffic on the railways?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot reopen pivotalism under any circumstances. The only course worth while pursuing now is to release all these men—all Conscript men from the Army as fast as they can be released from the Colours.
§ Mr. WATERSONHas the right hon. Gentleman had any conversation with the Railway Executive with reference to the release of these men, or is that Executive merely relying on his generosity in this respect?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. The Government have come to the definite decision in principle that we will not reopen pivotalism in any shape at any time.