HC Deb 16 April 1919 vol 114 c2913W
Lieutenant-Colonel ARTHUR MURRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War Whether he is aware that under date 18th February, 1919, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland informed Mr. Clark, Tillygarmond, Banchory, that the Board had made application for the early demobilisation of his son, Private A. T. Clark, No. 24872, l/4th Gordon Highlanders, attached 2/14th London Scottish, as a pivotal man; and whether, having regard to the fact that Private Clark has not yet been demobilised, he can see his way to make inquiry with a view to the early release of this soldier?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries will be made in this case, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as early as possible.

Mr. R. GWYNNE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Edward Goodall, No. T/422625, Camel Transport Corps, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, is unable to get his release in spite of the fact that he joined up in November, 1914, and has been on active service in Egypt since 1915; and whether, seeing that his father urgently needs his help on their farm, he will give instructions for him to be sent back with the next demobilisation draft?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries will be made in this case, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

Mr. HOPKINS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to secure the early demobilisation of Sergeant J. R. Smith, No. M2/132450, 910th Company, Royal Army Service Corps, Salonika, considering that this man volunteered in 1915, is now thirty-nine years of age, and has had no leave?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Sergeant Smith is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If this noncommissioned officer's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, he will, no doubt, be released as soon as circumstances permit.