§ 78. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he would explain the meaning of the words "and young recruits who did not join in time to share in the fighting," which appeared at the end of paragraph 3 of his Memorandum on Demobilisation, 16th July; and whether this was an intimation that such young recruits who do not volunteer would be retained in the Army beyond the 30th of April, 1920, contrary to the law as contained in the Act of Parliament prolonging compulsory military service to that date?
Captain GUESTThe phrase to which my hon. Friend alludes was intended to refer to those recruits who, either because they were insufficiently trained, or on ac count of their youth, did not embark for any theatre of war or garrison abroad before the Armistice was signed, and who may, if required, be retained by law till the 30th April, 1920. There is no present intention of retaining these soldiers beyond the period authorised by the Naval, Military, and Air Force (Service) Act.