HC Deb 29 July 1919 vol 118 cc1912-3
20. Mr. FREDERICK ROBERTS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private T. Aldhouse, No. 25794, 1/5th Royal West Kents, has been sent to India; and, if so, can he give any explanation why this man is not to be demobilised in accordance with the promise made some time ago?

Captain GUEST

Instructions were issued for the release of Private Aldhouse, and he was apparently sent home from. Mesopotamia, via India, where, like many others, he was retained owing to the outbreak. When demobilisation recommences in India, the men who arrived from Mesopotamia for demobilisation will be amongst the first to be released.

21. Mr. ROBERTS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the name of Private J. M. Rothwell, No. 27175, 7th Platoon, B Company, 1/lst Kent Regiment, Bombay, was cabled to India, for special release on 10th February last; if so, can he state for what reason this man has 'been retained; and whether there is any prospect of his early release?

Captain GUEST

As I informed my lion. Friend on the 8th May last, instructions have already been issued for the release of Private Rothwell. Owing, however, to i the outbreak, demobilisation was temporarily suspended in India, but when it recommences Private Rothwell will be released with all convenient speed.

28. Lieut.-Col. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BE NTINCK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions for the immediate release, on compassionate grounds, of Private F. R. Icke, No. 271187, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), Depot, Grove Park, whose mother, a widow, is in an extremely critical state of health, and is entirely dependent on this son?

Captain GUEST

Private Icke's case has been carefully considered on compassionate grounds, but as it did not fall within any of the categories prescribed in i the Regulations governing releases on such grounds, it was refused. In the absence of particulars of this man's length of service, age, etc., I am unable to state if he is eligible for demobilisation, but if he comes within the provisions of the Memorandum recently published he will be released accordingly.

Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCK

Does my hon. and gallant Friend agree that a widow who is destitute and also in poor health is an object of compassion?

Captain GUEST

I find it difficult to carry the provisions of the Memorandum in my head, but I have a copy in my pocket which I shall be very glad to hand to my Noble: Friend.