HC Deb 12 August 1919 vol 119 c1085
36. Major M. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that if students are not released from military service in time to resume their studies at the opening of the coming university session they are likely to lose the benefit of the whole educational year, he will give instructions that all university students are to be demobilised not later than 1st October?

Captain GUEST

Such of the men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend as come within the terms of the Memorandum recently published will be released accordingly. I regret that I can make no provision for the demobilisation of men whose cases do not fall within the categories provided for.

Major WOOD

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that all these ex-students could have been released if they had applied for release when demobilisation was first open?

Captain GUEST

I do not think I can accept that statement. It would be very invidious to make a distinction in favour of university candidates to the exclusion of any other class of students.