§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the delay in the repatriation of officers and men who left their professions and businesses in Ceylon; and whether, in the interests of public economy, as well as in the private interests of those concerned, he will take immediate steps to see that these demobilised officers and men are repatriated?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLEvery effort possible has been made by the War Office to secure the early repatriation of the officers and men referred to, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the acute shortage of shipping for India and the Far East has rendered it impossible to deal with the applications for passages from all classes of the community.