68. Colonel NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether the 31st October was the date originally fixed for the termination of the services of all volunteer permanent staffs; when is it now proposed that these volunteer staffs should be demobilised; and what is their total weekly cost to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe 31st October was the date by which General Officers Commanding were originally requested to report that all stores, etc., of each volunteer unit were cleared, and that the unit was ready for disbandment. Considerable difficulty has, however, been experienced in rendering these clearance reports, and it was found, in practice, impossible to adhere to the date mentioned. Every effort has been made to expedite the matter. Clearance reports are now being received daily, and a number of the permanent staffs have already been released. It is hoped that it will be possible to release the remainder during the next six weeks. As fresh releases are now occurring daily, it is not possible to say with any accuracy what is the present weekly cost of the staffs still retained.