HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 cc994-5
24. Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War what obligation rests on demobilised men, other than Regular Reservists, to present, themselves for further service if mobilisation should be rendered necessary by any fresh emergency; and whether he will cause the position and obligations of such men to be made perfectly clear.

Mr. Shinwell

It should be clearly understood that all officers and men who have left the Army under the release scheme are still members of the Reserve. Their liability to recall will continue until the emergency is declared to be at an end. This information is given to each officer and man on the last page of his release book.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Would the Secretary of State make this clear in a further order, so that it will be clearly understood by all personnel concerned, because a great many of them think that they are demobilised for good and that there is no question of their recall?

Mr. Shinwell

I should imagine that the answer I have given, which is very specific, will have made the matter clear.

Mr. Frank Byers

Has a man or an officer to get permission to leave the country if he is on the Reserve?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot reply to that question offhand.

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