§ 61. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the case of George P. Chapman, B/10,652, 17 Company, Nore Battery No. 4, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, who served 12 years throughout the War, who has secured 30 acres of land in Essex under the Government scheme for exservice men for settlement on the land, who has invested the whole of his money and over £100 borrowed to cultivate and plant the 30 acres, and who has fairly good prospects of successful crops; whether this man has now been called up under the recent Royal Proclamation and sent to the Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, with the danger of leaving his land derelict from want of attention; and whether cases of this kind will be dealt with by extended leave of absence?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)The Admiralty's attention had not previously been drawn to this case. Orders have been given for Chapman to be demobilised forthwith.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYWill the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question as to what the general practice is with regard to men situated as this man is in agriculture?
§ Mr. AMERYMen are called up generally, and specific attention must be directed to cases where release is desired. The attention of the Admiralty was not drawn to this case.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYIf attention be called to similar cases, will release be granted?