HC Deb 13 May 1919 vol 115 cc1412-3
30. Major LANE-FOX

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how it is that so many men of no possible pivotal value, and who joined the Colours considerably after January, 1916, have obtained release from the Army; whether he is aware of the discontent caused by this fact to the relatives of many men who joined up before 1916 and yet are not released, and for whom important work in this country is waiting, and whether he can take any action in the matter?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Men who joined the Colours after 1st January, 1916, are not being released unless they are eligible under the regulations governing demobilisation, or were certified by the Ministry of Labour as pivotal men in industry and registered by the War Office prior to 1st February, 1919.

Major LANE-FOX

Is it not the fact that there are a large number of these men apparently of no pivotal value who have been released?

Sir F. HALL

Did not the right hon. Gentleman a week ago promise to give his personal attention to the case of the men who joined in 1914–15? What steps have been taken to release them?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am doing my very utmost to relieve these men by sending out battalions and drafts to take their places.

Major LANE-FOX

But cannot any of them be demobilised at once by other methods?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Under the original demobilisation scheme a great many people slipped through, and that is the cause of the discontent in the Army to-day. But now we have reverted to a much simpler if rougher method which, to some extent, affords a remedy.