§ 12. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers in medical category C can be discharged to take up civil occupations, in view of their uncertain value to the Army under active service conditions?
§ Captain MargessonMany soldiers of medical category C are at present performing useful service in the Army by freeing men of higher categories for more active duties, and in view of the present manpower situation, I could not agree to automatic discharge in all such cases. Where, however, application is made for the release of an individual for work of national importance, the soldier's medical category is naturally taken into account in deciding whether release should be authorised.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes that Answer imply that where a man has been doing really valuable service as a civilian before he was called up, and has been graded in category C when he joined the Forces and is doing a comparatively insignificant job, there is no possibility of releasing him to carry on with his civilian duties?
§ Captain MargessonI do not accept the term "comparatively insignificant job."