§ 61. Mr. L. LYLEasked the Secretary of State for War if all 1914 and 1915 enlisted men have been by this time repatriated front Egypt; if not, how many are still left; and which classes of soldiers now serving there he proposes next to take in hand for similar treatment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAccording to the programme now being followed by the forces in Egypt, all men who joined the Colours in 1914 are due to embark for demobilisation by the end of this month. Those who joined the Colours in 1915 are to embark by the end of August. In addition, all men over thirty-seven are to embark by the end of August, and other men who are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions are to embark by the end of September.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that 1914 men are being sent to India for compulsory service, and on arrival are receiving letters thanking them for having volunteered? Will he see that these men are returned?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir. I have given instructions that no conscript soldiers are to be sent to India.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman `make a statement showing that all 1914 men who have been sent to India are allowed to return forthwith?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo; they will not return until they are relieved. The release is being carried out on that basis.
63. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for War whether the situation in India is now such as to justify the continuance of the demobilisation which was arrested last April; and whether troops can in any case be dispatched to that country in order to release men who are over due for release and whom employment awaits in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA number of battalions are already on their way to India, and the remainder of the reliefs will follow in the very near future. Upon their arrival the demobilisation of those eligible in India will commence.