§ 8. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can yet make any statement as to the early liberation of the men who enlisted under the Derby scheme?
Captain GUESTI. regret I can add nothing at present to the statements which my right hon. Friend made in the House on the 29th May and 5th June regarding the release of "Derby" men, of which there are some 300,000. As he stated on the 29th May, he cannot release the whole number immediately, but when Peace has been signed he hopes it will be possible gradually to diminish the military forces which we are keeping at our disposal. The claims of the 1914 and 1915 men for release must not, however, be forgotten.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERAm I right in supposing that no Derby men will be sent out in drafts in India?
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGWill he also consider the cases of conscript men who were refused enlistment repeatedly on medical grounds but were subsequently conscripted under the Conscription Acts?
§ Mr. A. SHAWIs he aware that Derby men are at present being sent out in drafts, although medically rejected in 1914 and 1915?
§ Mr. SHAWIf I give him information as to that, will he do his best to avoid sending back the stereotyped answer, which is the answer I have received?