§ 22. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the delay in identifying teachers serving in the Army and offering them Class B release; and whether, in view of the need for civilian teachers, he will take steps to speed up this scheme.
§ Mr. LawsonI am informed that there is no delay in identifying teachers and in issuing release authorities for those whose names have been submitted by the Ministry of Education and Scottish Educational Department and who are eligible for Class B block release. There are, however, inevitable delays in bringing home teachers from distant overseas theatres, and in these cases some time will elapse between the issue of the authority and the actual release.
§ 38. Mr. Orr-Ewingasked the Secretary of State for War why the release of officers after Group 23 has been further delayed contrary to previous promises.
§ Mr. LawsonThe release of officers after Group 23 has not been further delayed. As previously announced the release of Group 24 officers will take place between 20th February and 13th March. The release of Group 25 officers will start on 14th March. No further programme has yet been published, but I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service will be making a statement in the next day or two concerning. all three Services.
§ Mr. Orr-EwingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers and their families. and prospective employers, are under the impression that there is to be delay, and can he make a statement at the earliest possible date to remove the uncertainty which undoubtedly exists?
§ Mr. LawsonI understand how that mistake arose, and, as the House knows, I have given a very explicit answer in the last few days.
§ 41. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider post-dating the release date on all relevant documents of men demobilised from overseas to the end of the overseas leave period, so that, by claiming reinstatement rights by reporting for work on the ninth. Monday, they will not thereby lose their period of overseas leave.
§ Mr. LawsonI regret that it would be impracticable to adopt my hon.' Friend's suggestion for administrative reasons. Dispersal units do not know to how much overseas service leave a man is entitled or if he is entitled to any at all. Even if a man has not come direct from overseas he may still be entitled to this leave by virtue of a previous period of overseas service.