HC Deb 15 July 1919 vol 118 cc202-3
40. Mr. ROYCE

asked the Secretary for War whether a large number of men recently called up from the land to rejoin the Army are smallholders and consequently had no employer to appeal for their retention nor opportunity to be included among the 20 per cent. left upon the land; whether a large number of this class at Belmont camp, Sutton, Surrey, have been practically doing nothing for the past month; and whether he will make inquiries with a view of allowing these men to return to their holdings where they are so urgently needed?

Captain GUEST

I am making inquiries, and will acquaint the hon. Member of the result in due course.

Colonel ASHLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what these men are doing in a camp in England? Were they not called up on the plea that they were urgently needed for service overseas?

Captain GUEST

Notice was only given yesterday, and, as I have stated, we are making inquiries.

Mr. ROYCE

Will the hon. Gentleman expedite the inquiries as much as possible?

Captain GUEST

Yes. Inquiries have already been set on foot this morning.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is it in order for a question to appear on the Paper as a starred question after only one day's notice?

Captain GUEST

I meant I only saw it yesterday.