§ 41. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state why Bombardier A. C. Robinson, No. 12297, Nottinghamshire, Royal Horse Artillery, 336th Brigade, Headquarter Staff, 18th Division, Mesopotamia, who enlisted in 1914, is still detained in the Army; and whether he will give instructions for his immediate re lease?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFresh instructions have recently been issued regarding the early release of men who joined the Colours in 1914 and 1915, men over thirty-seven, and various other classes of men, who are eligible for demobilisation. If Bombardier Robinson joined the Colours 758 in 1914 as stated by my Noble Friend, he will be released in accordance with these Instructions.
§ Mr. HARTSHORNCan the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by "various other classes"?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMore than two wound-stripes, and the various eases comprised within the compassionate clauses
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the compassionate release so far as the men are concerned is a fraud? It is almost impossible to get a man released on compassionate grounds.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am afraid we had to schedule what were compassionate grounds entitling a man to be released, and that no doubt was felt not to be very satisfactory. It looked as if it was very grudging, but it affected 25,000 men within these hard and fast categories. If one man is released another man must stay to do the work.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions which will make some relaxation in these very harsh regulations in regard to compassionate release?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think the question had better be dealt with as a whole. I agree with the Noble Lord that the time has come when, consequent upon the signature and the expected ratification of Peace, steps should be taken in regard to the further increased demobilisation of our military forces.
§ Mr. WATERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman also bring within that category the only sons of widowed mothers who are aged and infirm, and who do not come at present within the category of the Army Order?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will consider all the cases.
§ Colonel PENRY WILLIAMSWhen may we expect an extension of that category to the men who are not getting the benefit of the Army Order?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf it is possible the 1914 and 1915 men shall be let go at the 759 dates mentioned. Even now, after six months continuous demobilisation, we are still releasing men from the Colours at the rate of 5,000 a day.
§ Colonel WILLIAMSBut my right hon. Friend told us in this House that those men might be expected home by the 1st of May and they are still out in India and Mesopotamia.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo; I have always excepted India.
§ Colonel WILLIAMSIs my right hon. Friend aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member must put his questions down.