§ Mr. SPOORasked the Postmaster-General whether the Indian Telegraph Department, being unable to obtain volunteers at 250 rupees per month, is compulsorily retaining on civilian work in Mesopotamia postal telegraphists who enlisted voluntarily for the period of the War; whether he has received a petition from these men; and whether he will secure their speedy demobilisation?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI am not aware that the military authorities, are retaining compulsorily men in the (Signal Service in Mesopotamia who are eligible for demobilization; but I have received a petition from them and will ask the War Office to inquire into the matter.