HC Deb 17 February 1919 vol 112 c546
43. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Minister of Labour whether the release from the Army of pivotal men has been abandoned in favour of the release of those under contract with an employer, or whether both systems are now running concurrently?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Wardle)

No, Sir, these two schemes are running concurrently. The period for applying for pivotal men ceased on the 31st January, but all pivotal men applied for by the appropriate authorities to the Ministry of Labour, and recommended by them to the War Office before the 1st February will be demobilised unless their retention in the Army is essential for demobilisation purposes. Men under contract can only be released provided that they are eligible for demobilisation under the recent Army Order making provision for the composition of the armies of occupation.