§ Lieut.-Colonel PARRYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to order the release for the purpose of demobilisation of soldiers in Egypt and Palestine who are entitled to demobilisation and who are retained in these countries because they are under suspended sentences awarded by court-martial for military offences, some of whom have been serving in the Army since 4th August, 1914, and who but for their being so retained would have been demobilised?
Captain GUESTMy hon. and gallant Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension. Soldiers under suspended sentence are not "retained," but are merely placed last on the list for demobilisation. If, however, they subsequently behave so well as to merit remission of sentence, the local military authorities can, and frequently do, remit the sentence, and, if eligible, they are then demobilised in accordance with current Regulations.