§ 39. Major ENTWISTLEasked the Secretary for War whether all soldiers authorised for retention on the land are being brought under the terms of Army Order 299 760 of 1918, under which their families "will not be entitled to separation allowances, and, if so, under what authority; whether he is aware that these soldiers cannot have their families with them owing to the great shortage of cottages, and consequently the separation allowance is a vital necessity; and whether, in these circumstances, either the separation allowance will be granted or the soldiers will be allowed to return to their former civil employment?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. The terms offered to soldiers authorised for retention on agriculture are issued under the authority of the Government. All such soldiers who are not demobilisable have an option to return to the Colours if they prefer to do so.
§ Major ENTWISTLEHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the conditions and difficulties of these soldiers because they have not enough to live on with their families?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that there is any injustice contemplated or done. The soldiers referred to get the full civilian rates of pay.