§ 91. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for War what is the reason of the delay in the return home of Sergeant Henry Frank Walter, No. 201, 602, l/4th Territorial Somerset Light Infantry, who enlisted in August, 1914, and whose last known address was attached section, Colaba, Bombay; and what other casualties of the Territorial Force have yet to be returned to this country from India?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThis man is not shown on the latest list received from the Commander-in-Chief of soldiers still serving in India on 14th October who were eligible for and desirous of demobilisation. It is therefore assumed that if Sergeant Walter is desirous of demobilisation and has not extended his service, he is on his way home, although there is no trace of his arrival in this country yet. I am telegraphing to the Commander-in-Chief, India, for further information in the case. The Commander-in-Chief, India, fully realises the necessity for the earliest possible despatch home of men eligible for and desirous of demobilisation, and the last list received from him shows only 13 demobilisable other ranks, of whom four were in hospital, and none were detained against their will.