Lieutenant - Commander CRAIGasked the Secretary of State for War how many repatriated prisoners of war are still retained with the Colours; whether such men are in all cases volunteers; if not, what are the principles upon which continued service is enforced, and whether, in the case of men who have joined the Colours temporarily and who have suffered the hardships of imprisonment in enemy countries, he will consider the desirability of giving them an option as to continued service after repatriation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret that no figures are available to enable me to answer the first part of my hon. and galland Friend's question. The repatriated prisoners of war retained are not in all cases volunteers. As regards the remain-2054W der of the question, I would refer to the answer which I gave on 25th February to the effect that it would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line. It is not possible to appraise the relative sufferings and hazards endured. If men are fit in bodily health they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories prescribed.