HC Deb 23 July 1919 vol 118 cc1343-4
63. Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an application was made by the Sovereign Confectionery Company, Lowton, Lanes, on 28th December, 1918, for Private E. Leigh, No. 202367, G. and Q. Offices, 55th Division, W. O., British Expeditionary Force, France, as a pivotal man; that such application was stamped by the Leigh Employment Exchange 30th December, 1918, and reached the camp commandant On 4th January, 1919; and if ho will explain why he has not been released?

Mr. FORSTER

Private Leigh is not registered by the War Office cither as pivotal or for special release, and I am informed by my right lion. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. The application referred to by the hon. Member was apparently a contract offer of employment such as to obtain his registration as a slip man, but this alone does not render him eligible for demobilisation. If, however, ho is eligible under the instructions recently issued, he will be demobilised accordingly.

64. Lieut.- Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will order the immediate demobilisation of Gunner T. Bartlett, No. 612310, Royal Artillery Depot, Ambala, India, who enlisted on 25th September, 1914, and has spent two summers in Mesopotamia, and, although ordered for demobilisation, has now been sent to India?

Mr. FORSTER

Gunner Bartlett was apparently sent home from Mesopotamia via India, and was retained in that country owing to the conditions that existed there. I have already stated that when demobilisation recommences in India those men who arrived from Mesopotamia and are eligible for demobilisation will be amongst the first to be released. I regret I can take no special action in this case.

Mr. WATERSON

Could the right hon. Gentleman send this news to the troops in India who are being sent to Egypt for demobilisation, and so allay the unrest which is prevalent there, and thus save the vast amount of correspondence hon. Members are receiving?

Mr. FORSTER

I will bring that point to the notice of my right hon. Friend.