§ 13. Mr. DENVILLEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in Northumberland that soldiers of the rank and file in the Northumberland Fusiliers who have completed their seven years' service are to be kept in Egypt for another year; how many are due for release; and if the decision can be reconsidered?
§ Mr. HACKINGUnder the Army Act soldiers who are serving abroad can be retained for a further period of 12 months. When the Northumberland Fusiliers moved from the West Indies to Egypt last year, all soldiers who would complete their colour service by the 31st October, 1934, were permitted, as a special concession, to disembark at Southampton and remain in this country. Consequently no soldier whose seven years colour service expires before 1st November, 1934, is now serving with the battalion in Egypt. I regret that no further concession in this matter can be sanctioned.