§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for War whether priority in respect of demobilisation is being given to men who enlisted in 1914 and 1915; and whether he is aware that there are complaints that men of a far later date of enlistment are being liberated first?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir. Men who enlisted in 1914 and 1915 are being given priority in demobilisation, and men who did not enlist prior to 1st January, 1916, are not being released unless they are otherwise eligible under Army Order 55 of 1919. It is no doubt true that some1132W men of shorter service have been demobilised, while others of longer service are still retained. This is due to the fact that dispersal drafts are made up from the classes of men eligible for demobilisation according to a certain order of priority, and that as far as possible a proportion of men from all classes, as laid down in the order of priority, are included in the drafts sent for dispersal. My hon. Friend will understand that other grounds of eligibility for demobilisation. are recognised besides length of service.