§ 19. Mr. MARRIOTTasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the case that the l/9th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, Territorial Force, is at present detained in a distant theatre of war, not withstanding the fact that the whole battalion, namely, thirty-two officers and 901 other ranks, is pre-war or of the 1914–16 class, and is, therefore, time expired; and. if so, whether he will give orders for the prompt relief of this battalion?
§ Mr. FORSTERI understand that the facts are substantially as stated by my hon. Friend. It is impracticable to carry out the relief of this battalion at present, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that the withdrawal at as early a date as possible of those men who are eligible for demobilisation, is a matter that will not be lost sight of.