HC Deb 05 March 1919 vol 113 cc420-1W
Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the application of Mrs. Pfeiffer, Leather Exchange Tavern, 15, Market Street, Bermondsey, S.E., for the release of her son, Private A. F. Pfeiffer, No. 35640, B Company, Detachment31st Battalion Middlesex Regiment, Sevenoaks (Battalion Headquarters, Croydon) on compassionate grounds, has been forwarded to the commanding officer of Private Pfeiffer's unit?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to his question of the 24th February. Private Pfeiffer should make an application himself to the officer commanding his unit. Mrs. Pfeiffer's letter has been forwarded to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the command concerned.

Mr. F. C. THOMSON

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in spite of the demobilisation of teachers ordered in December, 1918, the headmaster of a school, whose release was duly applied for, should still be retained on military service at home?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Teachers are demobilised in accordance with Regulations for the time being in force; the Regulations which were in force in December, 1918, were cancelled by Army Order 55 of 1919, and demobilisation is now dependent on the officer or soldier concerned being eligible under that Army Order. It must be borne in mind that demobilisation is at all times subject to the exigencies of the Service. If the headmaster in question has been recommended for release by the Board of Education and was registered by the War Office as a pivotal man before the 1st of February, 1919, his demobilisation will take place as soon as possible without reference to his age or length of service.

Mr. F. C. THOMSON

asked the Secretary of State for War why Corporal D. R. Macdonald, No. 36390, Royal Engineers, dispatch, rider, 1st Army Signals, British Expeditionary Force, who was passed by the Ministry of Labour in January as a pivotal man, is still being retained with the Colours; and if he will issue instructions for his immediate demobilisation?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I find that instructions as to Corporal Macdonald's release were issued on the 4th of February. I have no reason to doubt that they will be carried into effect as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit.