§ 60. Mr. JOHN DAVISONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether men of category C 3 are still retained in the Army; whether such men would be rendering greater service, and save expense to the Exchequer, if they were at once demobilised; and whether he can see his way to direct the immediate demobilisation of all C 3 men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, unless the men are eligible for demobilisation, but I may add that only such as are fully employed in the Army are being retained. I regret I cannot accede to my hon. Friend's proposal contained in the third part of the question, as many C 3 men are employed in administrative services, and their immediate demobilisation would lead to considerable dislocation.
§ Mr. DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that those men who have a position to return to in civil life will be demobilised?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. If they are needed for the purposes of demobilisation they will have to be retained during the period while this great strain is going on. If they are included within the retained 200 categories they will have to be retained in. those categories even if they are C 3 men, assuming that they are capable of doing the work for which they are employed.