HC Deb 10 March 1919 vol 113 cc895-6
118. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the 20th January the clerks at the Crystal Palace Dispersal Camp refused to sign the demobilisation papers of Privates Jones, No. 3663, Gardner, No. 4658, Moore, No. 4712, Singleton, No. 2124, Hutson, No. 4736, Fuller, No. 4774, Hollington, No. 4353, Temple, No. 4743, and Mitchell, No. 4515, of the 6th Eastern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, 26, Beaumont Street, Oxford, despite the fact that the Army Order re discontinuation of the dispersal of Non-Combatant Corps men had not then been issued; that the men's papers were in order; that three other members of the Non-Combatant Corps obtained without question the same clerk's signature at the same time; and whether these men can now receive the final demobilisation which they were entitled to receive on the 20th January?

Captain GUEST

I am not aware of this particular occurrence. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, as demobilisation is dependent on eligibility under Army Order 55, of 1919.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will an inquiry be made into this case?

Captain GUEST

Yes, Sir; an inquiry will be made, but I cannot guarantee the results.

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