§ 8. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Secretary of State for War how many officers or men due for discharge in December have recently been posted to East Africa.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe normal rule for drafting overseas is that officers and men should not be sent to the Middle East, which includes East Africa, unless they have six months' useful service left to do in that theatre. There are always some exceptions and the recent acceleration in the release programme will reduce the period which certain men will have left to serve, who, at the time they were sent abroad, were expected to have six months left. As reinforcements are in most cases sent to M.E.L.F. and not specifically to East Africa, the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member is not available in this country.
§ Major Legge-BourkeDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall that in mid-August the War Office made a statement to the effect that men in group 68 were to be sent out to East Africa, which would mean that they would have approximately six weeks only to serve in that country before they were due for repatriation for eventual release? Can he give some indication of the number of men in that group or in the neighbourhood of that group who have been sent to the Middle East or to East Africa?
§ Mr. ShinwellAs I said in my original answer, it is not possible to provide the information so far as it relates to this 1508 country, but the hon. and gallant Member has reminded me of what happened, I am grateful for the reminder, and I will certainly take note of it.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingWould it not help if, on the man's documents at his station, the date of his demobilisation were entered, so that headquarters staff would know when posting him that he was due for demobilisation in six months' time?
§ Mr. ShinwellI cannot say whether that is a practical suggestion, but we will look at it.