71. Mr. G. MURRAYasked the Secretary for War whether, in view of his published statement that there are many hard eases, both compassionate and pivotal, which deserve attention and whereas nothing is being done to meet these compassionate cases, he will consider the desirability of extending the definition of compassionate cases so as to provide that immediate release should be granted in cases where there are two parents both aged or infirm and dependent on the son, and also in the cases of a widower father who, through age or infirmity, is unable to support himself?
§ 80. Mr. HIRSTasked the Secretary for War when he intends to modify the Regulations whereby a man can obtain release on compassionate ground;, from the Army, in view of the fact that he has made no mention of this matter in his Memorandum recently regarding demobilisation; and whether he is aware of the discontent existing in the ranks to-day owing to the existing Regulations for release on compassionate grounds and the small number of men who have obtained demobilisation through those channels?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs I stated yesterday, the Memorandum published on the 17th instant greatly enlarges the scope of the demobilisation Regulations, and also renders eligible numbers of men not previously eligible for release. Under the circumstances, I regret that I cannot at present consent to any further modifications of the Regulations governing demobilisation. I would add that during May and June, 7,864 releases on compassionate grounds were authorised, in addition to over 26,000 in previous months.