25. Colonel NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended that the most recent Regulations dealing with the demobilisation of men enlisted under the Military Service Acts shall be rigidly adhered to even where the man is applied for by his employers as urgently necessary for their business; and will he consider the advisability of allowing such men, where possible, to return to their work on indefinite leave and without pay, to be recalled to their units should necessity arise until the period fixed for their final demobilisation?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part, I regret that it is not considered practicable to introduce my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion into the existing scheme of demobilisation.
§ Major E. WOODArising out of the second point, has the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of giving officers and men some approximate idea when they 458 will be demobilised? At the present time, as he knows, they have no idea until they actually get their demobilising notice.
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not quite know what we can do more than we have done in publishing the Army Order which, as the hon. Member knows, has just been issued. If he can suggest any steps we can take to make the position clearer to the officers and men, I shall be glad to take it.
§ Mr. FORSTERNo; I think not.