HC Deb 28 March 1919 vol 114 cc762-4W
Mr. CAIRNS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will release these two young men on compassionate grounds, Sergeant M. Hindmarsh, No. 761034, A Battery, 317th Brigade, R.N.D.A., British Expeditionary Force, France, aged twenty-three, four years' service, three in France, and Private E. Hindmarsh, No. 35886, C Company, 9th Platoon, 24th Duke of Wellington's Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, France, aged twenty, one year's service, as their father has had his back broken in the mine and the doctor says he has only a few days to live?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is not considered that the compassionate grounds put forward are strong enough to release these men. From the information given Sergeant Hindmarsh would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, will no doubt be released in due course. Meanwhile, a wire has been sent to France requesting that they may be granted special leave.

Lieutenant-Colonel ARTHUR MURRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, under date 4th February, 1919, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland addressed a letter to Mr. Alexander Youngson, Bowbutts, Strachan, Banchory, stating that the Board had made application for the early demobilisation of Mr. Youngson's son, Private R. J. Youngson, No. 24486, D Company, 4th Reserve Battalion Gordon Highlanders, as a pivotal man; whether he is aware that Private Youngson has not yet been demobilised; and can he see his way to make inquiry with a view to the early release of this soldier?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Instructions have already been issued for Private Young-son's release. I will have inquiries made, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

Mr. HARRY HOPE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Lance-Corporal Robert Morburn, No. 301925, 465th Agricultural Company, Glencorse, who joined the Service in November, 1915, and who has been severely wounded, may now be demobilised in order to take up his old occupation as a horseman on a farm on which his father lives, and for which he is urgently required?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It Lance-Corporal Morburn joined the Colours for continuous service before the 1st of January, 1916, he will no doubt be demobilised in due course.

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Captain James Keesley Gray, of the 2/6th Royal Sussex Regiment, attached temporarily to the 16th Indian Division, 43rd Brigade, who joined the Army in 1915 and was recommended for demobilisation early in January by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour on business grounds; and whether this application for demobilisation, which can be supported also on compassionate grounds, may receive the consideration of the War Office?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.