§ 20. Mr. HOHLERasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he has taken any further steps to obtain the release of dockyard apprentices from the Army; and, if not, will he assign reasons, seeing that they were retained in the dockyard to a late period on the ground that their work was of greater national importance?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am advised that the demobilisation of men in the Army is dependent on whether or not a man is eligible under existing Regulations, and that the War Office can make no exception in favour of students or apprentices. I regret, therefore, that I can add nothing to the various answers which have been given from time to time to this effect by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.
§ Mr. HOHLERWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why it was that advantage was not taken of the contract of the slip discharge, of which all these men could take advantage and be got rid of at once?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat question should be put to the Secretary of State and not to me.
§ Mr. HOHLERSecretary of State for what?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Secretary of State for War.