§ 103. Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal D. Scard, No. 782384, 29th London Regiment, enlisted in June, 1915, and although eligible for demobilisation was ordered to embark for the North Russia Expeditionary Force on the 27th June last, although he had never volunteered and was, in fact, opposed to going; and whether, in view of the fact that this man is eligible for demobilisation, and in view of the pledge given that none but volunteers should be sent to North Russia, steps will be taken to secure this soldier's early return and release?
Captain GUEST (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)I regret that my inquiries in this case are not yet complete, but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this question was put down in my name some time ago and he gave a promise on that 1563 occasion that he would investigate it, and that, in the meantime, the man should not be sent to Northern Russia. His wife only yesterday received a letter from him in North Russia?
Captain GUESTWell, I regret extremely if that should prove to be the case. The War Office have such an immense number of individual eases to deal with that it is, of course, conceivable that mistakes of this kind have occurred. I can assure my hon. Friend that I will immediately take the case up.
§ Mr. WATERSONI can give you the man's letter received the other day.