§ 36. Captain LOSEBYasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the delay in demobilisation of Australian and New Zealand troops is causing considerable anxiety and unrest; and if he will take steps to ensure that the causes for this delay are carefully explained to the soldiers concerned?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Dominion troops are being repatriated as fast as transport facilities will permit. Instructions have been issued to explain that the reasons of such delay is solely lack of shipping. The selection of individuals for priority is not in the hands of the War Office, but in these of the Dominion Governments concerned.
§ Captain LOSEBYIs it not a fact that the Australian troops were informed that fourteen ships were being set aside, and that, as a matter of fact, nothing like that number has been available?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not know who informed the hon. Member, or on what authority such a statement was made, but the demands of our shipping are very varied at the present time and very extensive, and it is quite possible that hopes may be disappointed from time to time.
§ Captain LOSEBYMy only point was, could not that be explained to the men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am quite certain that the Australian and Canadian Authorities 1254 will explain to their men the difficulties in regard to the matter. Nevertheless, very great progress has been made.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHSCould not the statement be made in this. House so that the men might get it direct from the House of Commons—I do not think that has been done—with regard to the shipping and the difficulties arising from the shortage of shipping?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think this is being done. Naturally we want the men sent home as quickly as possible, but all sorts of other things are occurring at the same time.