HC Deb 15 October 1946 vol 427 cc770-1
21. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that deferments of officers in M.E.F. will not be for longer than three months.

Mr. Bellenger

An instruction was issued some time ago to all commands forbidding the deferment of any individual for more than three months without prior War Office sanction. This rule is being observed, and no request has so far been received from M.E.L.F. for any exception to be made.

Mr. Pickthorn

When the Secretary of State says "for more than three months" does he mean for more than one period of three months, or does he merely mean not more than three months at a time?

Mr. Bellenger

No, Sir. I mean a total deferment of more than three months