HC Deb 27 October 1919 vol 120 cc296-7W
Mr. CAIRNS

asked the Secretary of State for War if lie is aware that at a meeting of soldiers held on the 20th June in Poona a resolution of protest was carried protesting against the use of transport for the conveyance of transports to England for the Peace celebrations whilst a number of men who applied six months ago for leave on compassionate grounds were still being retained in the depot; whether he is aware -of the unrest which exists because of the statement that only volunteers have been sent up to the Afghan frontier; and whether he will take immediate steps to release all those men who have not volunteered for retention in India?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 7th August last to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Kingswinford. I would add that all men who have not undertaken to continue in the Service are now eligible for demobilisation and will be released as early as practicable under the instructions now in force.