§ 40. Sir WILLIAM SEAGERasked the Secretary for War if he is aware- that great dissatisfaction exists among the men who enlisted under the Derby scheme as, although they attested prior to 1st January, 1916, they were not called up until after that date, and in consequence their demobilisation is delayed; and will he consider granting to them the advantage of the same regulations as to demobilisation as have been granted to the men who joined up prior to 1st January, 1916, and treat them as having joined on the date on which they offered their services?
Captain GUEST (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)Eligibility for demobilisation in such cases is determined by the length of actual service with the Colours, calculated from the Sate of joining up for immediate service. I regret that I cannot, in fairness to men with longer service, adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Sir W. SEAGERWill the hon. Gentleman sympathetically consider these men? They volunteered for service and were told to go back to their usual occupation until they wore wanted, and now they are penalised for doing that.
Captain GUESTIt is quite true; but a. date had to be set up, and the only date for that purpose was the actual date of joining the Colours.
§ Mr. SPENCERWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of burning all the Regulations they have got, and issuing fresh ones which they have some hope of keeping?