10. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JOHN HOPEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when a sailor, who in October, 1914, completed twenty-two years' continuous service in successive periods of engagements for twelve and ten years, is entitled to be released?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. and gallant Friend's question raises the case of a man retained under the terms of the Royal Proclamation of 3rd August, 1914. Such a man is entitled to release five years after the date of the expiration of his engagement—in this case, in October, 1919. I do not say that his services will necessarily be retained until then. That is a question for the naval authorities to decide, having regard to the requirements of the Naval Service.
Sir J. HOPEWill they be released before those sailors who enlisted only for the War, seeing that their overtime exceed the total service of those who enlisted only for the War?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put a question down, and I will answer in detail as to the system of demobilisation now being pursued.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes.