HC Deb 25 February 1919 vol 112 cc1570-1
22. Mr. WATERSON

asked the Secretary of State for War if men who have been prisoners of war and suffered much as a consequence are being forced into the Army of Occupation; and, if so, will he take steps to stop such a practice?

73. Mr. SPOOR

asked the Secretary of State for War whether repatriated prisoners of war are to be retained in the Army; if so will they be sent overseas again; and whether in view of the sufferings of these men he will make an order that they shall be demobilised?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line. It is not possible to appraise the relative suffering and hazards endured. If men are fit in bodily health they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories prescribed.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the War Office, give a denial to a statement that has appeared publicly that repatriated prisoners of war are entitled to demobilisation on expiry of their two-months'leave; and when will he be in a position to make the statement he promised the other day on the whole question of demobilisation as applied to repatriated prisoners?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think my hon. Friend will see that what I have said covers the statement. We do propose, if the man is within the category retained—assuming Parliament approves of the retention of such categories—to utilise his services during the period of the Armies of Occupation, whether he is a fighting soldier at the present time, or whether he is a returned repatriated prisoner of war. I take this opportunity, amongst others, of making that fact public.

Mr. HOGGE

Can my right hon. Friend say definitely that the statement on the subject that has appeared in a great many papers is entirely wrong; it is to the effect that these repatriated prisoners have no special privileges as repatriated prisoners?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir; that is the fact. Of course, their health must be most carefully examined here, for many of them have suffered much; but so have the men who have been fighting all the time in the lines.