22. Mr. KENNEDY JONESasked the Secretary for War whether he will state the number of officers and the number of non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Army Service Corps, Motor Transport, who have been demobilised since 11th November, 1918; and at what date it is expected all those in this particular service, who joined up before 1stJanuary, 1916, will be demobilised?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of officers and other ranks of the Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport) demobilised since 11th November, 1918, to the end of February, 1919, is approximately 600 officers and 34,650other ranks. It is not possible to say definitely when the demobilisation of the corps referred to will be completed, but it is hoped that those who are eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations will have been released by the 1st of May, except in so far as they may be temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation.
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that much feeling has been caused owing to the preference given in demobilisation to certain home service corps, and will he avoid the giving of any such preference in the future?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that any particular preference was given. These Army Service Corps are necessary for the general process of demobilisation, and they are being held irrespective of length of service wherever so required.