25. Mr. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for War, if the Service Departments will henceforth take into account Service men's demoblisation group numbers before they are posted for service in the Far East.
§ Sir J. GriggAs far as is practicable in present circumstances, men due for early release are not being sent to distant theatres of war.
§ Mr. GuyIs the Minister aware that there are men who have been four or five years overseas, who come in the early category of demobilisation if it is carried out fairly? Is he further aware that they might have to spend another four or five years overseas? What sense is there in sending them abroad?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not believe that the hon. Member could have listened to my answer. I said:
As far as is practicable in present circumstances, men due for early release are not being sent to distant theatres of war.In any case, if they are they do not lose their rights of earlier release.
§ Mr. GuyMay we have an assurance that men being sent overseas will be included in their demoblisation group?
§ Sir J. GriggI have given the most explicit assurance that I can, and I am afraid I cannot give any more.