§ Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private W. Riley, No. 38433, 12th Platoon, D Company, 2nd Somerset Light Infantry, Roberts Barracks, Peshawar, India, was passed for release in January, and instructions cabled to the Commanding Officer in February by the War Office, as per Ref. No. M.R./D.M.J./19 Rels. / B 2012 Mob. 10 c; and if he will have definite action taken to secure the release of this soldier, who is forty-one years old, has five children, and a business closed down awaiting his return?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLInstructions were issued some time ago for the demobilisation of Private Riley, but the carrying out of such instructions was no doubt delayed owing to the recent trouble in India which resulted in demobilisation having to be suspended from that country.
§ Brigadier-General COLVINasked the Secretary of State for War if he can state on what grounds Private O. B. Phillips, No. 89603, Royal Army Medical Corps, who joined the Army in 1914, and was approved for demobilisation at Amara in February, 1919, was, on his arrival at Basrah in March, dispatched to India, and is now attached to the 8th Reserve Battalion Devons at Secunderabad; and whether immediate orders will be given for his release?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLPrivate Phillips is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, but it is,174W possible that he was sent home for demobilisation vidâ India and was retained in the latter country owing to the state of affairs existing there. If his length of service is as stated, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.