§ 35. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of men in age-and-service group 69, serving in the Army Postal Services (R.E.), B.A.O.R., have been notified that their release has been deferred, and that in some cases they were only so notified one week before their release was due; approximately how many men are affected by this deferment; what steps have been taken to replace them by men in later release groups or from other arms of the Service; and why such block deferment is necessary at such short notice.
§ Mr. ShinwellThere is at present a shortage of trained men in the R.E. Postal Services in all theatres. In spite of all possible adjustments some men had to be warned that their release might have to be deferred. I am glad to say, however, that so far no release of men of this 199 category in age-and-service group 69 serving in Rhine Army has actually had to be deferred. I hope that all such men will have been released by the last date on which their group is due to be out, 29th April.
§ Mr. DribergDoes my right hon. Friend's answer mean that men in this group who were warned of deferment a week or two ago have now had that warning cancelled?
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, Sir. I should not say that is the full interpretation of what I have said. Some may have had to be warned, as I have indicated, that their release might have to be deferred, but so far as that particular age-and-service group is concerned, that is not generally so.
§ Mr. DribergWould it not be possible to give more than one week's notice? When a man is expecting to go out by a certain date, he has made all his home arrangements.
§ Mr. ShinwellI will look into that, but my hon. Friend must be aware that there are very great difficulties just now because of the run-down of the Army. We have to keep units up to strength.