§ 38. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for War how many drivers, R.A.S.C., in C.M.F., have had their release deferred; and how many have been warned that their release will be deferred.
§ Mr. LawsonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 23rd July to a Question by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown). On 30th June, the latest date for which figures are available, a total of seven other ranks of the R.A.S.C. in age and service Groups 26 to 34 had their release deferred for operational reasons. I am afraid I cannot say if any of these were drivers.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIf I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars of a unit in which all men in these groups and this trade have been told that they will be deferred for release, will he look into it?
§ Mr. LawsonI certainly will, but I have given the hon. Gentleman the information at my disposal.
§ Mr. HaleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members are being inundated with letters of protest from men who have had their demobilisation deferred? Will he give new instructions to the effect that, in future, deferment is only to be arranged for really grave operational reasons, and not for matters of domestic convenience?
§ Mr. LawsonYes, Sir. As a matter of fact I have given very definite instructions in the changeover that has taken place, particularly in the M.E.F., and I am very much concerned in ensuring that they are followed in C.M.F. also.