§ Sir HERBERT NIELDasked the Secretary of State for War why time-expired men who rejoined the Army in 1914–15 and have served overseas in France and at the other European fronts have been sent to India towards the closing months of the War and are still being detained there, while men who joined the Army subsequently, and even under the compulsion of the Military Service Acts, have been either finally demobilised or placed on garrison or base duties in England; and whether he will insist, as far as possible, 44W upon equality of treatment, and so prevent grievances arising, and, with that in view, direct the release of these men and their speedy demobilisation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs I have frequently explained, demobilisation in India is temporarily suspended owing to the conditions prevailing there, but, as stated in the Memorandum published on the 17th July, all 1914, 1915 men, and all Derby men who joined the Colours before 1st July, 1916, who are in India, will have started for homo by 1st December, provided that no unexpected trouble occurs in that country. There is no record that any of the men referred to in the question were sent to India, as suggested, although it is quite possible that some were sent. Any such men, however, will be amongst the first to be sent home under the arrangements which I have mentioned.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTasked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers who have been demobilised in Mesopotamia are being compulsorily detained in India; and, if so, when they will be released?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir; as I have already stated, all men arriving in India from Mesopotamia were, owing to the conditions existing there, temporarily retained. When demobilisation recommences in that country, they will be among the first to be released. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Memorandum recently published, in which it is stated that all 1814–1915 men, and all Derby men who joined the Colours before 1916, who are in India, will have started for home by the 1st December, if not released earlier, provided always that no unexpected trouble occurs in that country.