§ 67. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Driver Fred Thorns, No. 99044, 10th Division, Royal Field Artillery, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, who joined the Force in September, 1914, and has not been home since September, 1915, he will make special inquiry why this soldier has not been demobilised?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLDriver Thoms is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his length of servce is as stated by my Noble Friend he is eligible for demobilisation unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side on the 1st instant, regarding the appointment of senior officers to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officer or man who is eligible for demobilisation is being retained without good and sufficient cause. I do not, therefore, propose to take any special action in this case.