§ 20. Sir H. CRAIKasked the Secretary of State for War if it is intended that Army Order XIV., of 29th January, 1919, shall supersede all previous understandings and announcements with regard to the prompt release of students who were called up for service during their university or professional training, and whose future depends upon their immediate release?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Twickenham an this subject on Wednesday last, to the effect that the answer is in the affirmative, unless the men referred to are otherwise eligible for demobilisation under the provision of the Army Orders in question.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman still prepared to give these privileges to students whose education has been interrupted and who were going to be released previous to the Order of 29th January?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. I regret I am not in a position to do that. If students were released apprentices would have to be released—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]—and perhaps it is very desirable that these should be released. They could only be released by retaining men who are fathers of families and old enough to be their fathers.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not the case that arrangements were absolutely made, 1559 and that to some of the men release was granted, which now has been suddenly stopped after all arrangements had been made?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think it is very probable that that is so. But owing to the War we are having to impose hardships on all sections of the community, andin the imposition of these it is desirable to draw the line where the hardships will be least.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSHaving regard to the fact that a certain number of the students of institutions who joined the forces after January, 1916, have been allowed to return in order to continue their studies, may not the same facilities be granted to other similarly situated students?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. The practice of bringing out men irrespective of age or period of service at the front has seriously affected the discipline of the whole Army, and caused a feeling of general unrest, forcing us, at whatever hardship to individuals, to draw a hard-and-fast line, and to proceed in accordance with those considerations of age and service which can so readily be recognised by men of every rank in the Army.
§ Captain A. SMITHAs a result of the War Office so dealing with their contracts these men have been punished?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that it is a question of anybody being punished. Men who are under thirty-sevenyears of age and who have joined the Colours since 1st January, 1916, are being retained;those who have not that qualification are being demobilised as fast as they possibly can be.