HC Deb 27 May 1919 vol 116 cc999-1000
7. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is prepared to name an approximate date on which demobilisation of all troops who enlisted prior to 1916 or who otherwise come within the exempted classes will be complete?

32. Sir S. SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, provided that nothing unforeseen occurs, he can give an approximate date by which he hopes to be able to release from the Army men who were serving in 1914 and 1915, and are eligible for demobilisation from the Army of the Rhine, Egypt, and Palestine, Mesopotamia, India, and other theatres?

Mr. FORSTER

I regret that I am unable at present to give an approximate date by which men who were serving in 1914 and 1915 will be released. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friends that the demobilisation of all these men is proceeding as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit, and in cases where they are temporarily retained as part of the military machinery of demobilisation they are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people are getting tired of this question of men being retained for the machinery of demobilisation? Will his Department take some actual steps, instead of having always the same reply brought up, to replace these men by men who have not served previous to 1916?

Mr. FORSTER

It is very much easier to talk about demobilisation and replacing men than to do it. I must remind the hon. and gallant Member that we have demobilised since the Armistice going on for 3,000,000 men, which is a very considerable number. The Secretary of State is giving personal attention to the case of men referred to in the question, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman my right hon. Friend is doing everything he can to expedite it.

Sir F. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that of the 3,000,000 men demobilised a very large number have been those who joined the forces in 1916, 1917, and 1918?

Mr. FORSTER

I am quite aware of that.