§ 30. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that numerous officers have recently been demobilised without any notice whatsoever; 220 whether he is aware that in one unit many officers were demobilised at two hours' notice; and, in view of the distress created in such cases, he will cause notice of at least one month to be given to any officer whose services are likely to be dispensed with in order that they can make some attempt to secure civil occupation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs explained in answer to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge on the 18th August last, Army Order 122, of March, 1919, lays down that all officers who are to be demobilised are to be given notice in writing of their prospective demobilisation prior to being sent for dispersal, and that this notice should be given as early as practicable. I regret it is not possible to do more than this. Where an officer's demobilisation is approaching, but the actual date cannot be fixed, every help is given to enable him to make arrangements for civil employment, but no special leave for this purpose can be granted.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that in one unit no less than fourteen officers were warned to leave their units in one day?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would like to have the particulars of that case. I assume that there was demobilisation leave and that they were not struck off pay and allowances on that day and they had their regular periods. I should, however, like to have the facts. I have no doubt a great deal of hardship is being caused to officers by the pressure of demobilisation.
§ Colonel YATECan he say what is the period?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would not like to say offhand, but I should be glad to answer a question on the subject.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLIs it not a fact that these officers must return to civil life, considering the great necessity of reducing the Army from what it was in war-time?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is so.
§ 35. Mr. HIRSTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will furnish figures showing the daily average number of telegrams dealt with at the Signal Office at General Headquarters, Great Britain, during the two weeks ending 27th Septem- 221 ber and the two weeks ending 6th December; whether he will also state the daily average number of telegrams dealt with between the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. during the same periods; how many Post Office telegraphists are retained at this office; what are their ranks; how many are eligible for demobilisation under current Regulations; what are the special circumstances requiring their retention in the Army; whether he will state the average cost of these men in military pay and allowances, and also in civil pay to the Post Office authorities; whether there is any reason why this office should not be staffed by one or two civilians with a great saving to the Exchequer; and whether, having regard to the great waste of money and force which has taken place at this office since March, 1918, when the Signal Office was transferred to the military authorities, he will insist on a searching investigation being made into the reasons for the retention of civilian telegraphists on military duties?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to this question is too lengthy to read out, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.
The following is the reply mentioned: The number of telegrams dealt with at the Signal Office, General Headquarters, Great Britain, during the periods mentioned was 2,013 and 819. It is not possible to give the number of messages dealt with during specified hours of the day, as all the messages are destroyed after a few days, in accordance with military Regulations. Seven Post Office telegraphists are employed at the office including one company sergeant-major, one corporal, two second corporals, and three sappers. All are eligible for demobilisation, but have volunteered to defer their demobilisation until their services can be dispensed with. The cost of the military emoluments of the staff (including pay, allowances, rations, etc.) is approximately £1,500 per annum. I cannot say without inquiry the amount of civil pay issued by the Post Office authorities. As regards the necessity for the employment of military telegraphists in the office in question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Members for Houghton-le-Spring and Barnard Castle on 18th August and 29th October, respectively, to which I have nothing to add.