§ 10. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make clear the position as regards demobilisation of men of the Armed Forces who are serving on regular engagements; and whether the provisions of the White Paper on the Re-allocation of Manpower will be applicable to such men.
§ Mr. BevinThe Government's plan for release from the Armed Forces as set out in the White Paper an the Re-allocation 1906 of Man-power, does not apply to officers holding permanent regular commissions on the active list of their Service or to ratings and other ranks whose regular engagements have not expired. Ratings and other ranks whose regular engagements have expired will be eligible for release under the plan in accordance with their age and length of war service. In the case of a naval rating, the term "regular engagement" in this connection applies also to the active service portion of a special service engagement; in the case of a soldier, it means his period of service with the Colours, and in the case of an airman, the regular portion of his engagement.
§ Sir G. JeffreysWill my right hon. Friend make these provisions which he has just enunciated very clear, and give them publicity, because I think the position is not understood by a large number of serving personnel?
§ Mr. BowlesIs not this only a White Paper proposal, without any force of law yet?
§ Mr. BevinThe question of the reallocation of man-power is one for decision by the Government, and does not need legislation.
§ Sir Adam MaitlandWill my right hon. Friend represent to the Leader of the House that a Debate on this subject should be arranged soon?
§ 11. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Labour whether the provisions of the White Paper on the Re-allocation of Manpower are intended to apply generally to officers as well as to other ranks of His Majesty's Forces, and, if not, whether further instructions applicable to officers will be issued.
§ Mr. BevinThe proposals in the White Paper are intended to apply to both officers and other ranks.