§ Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment caused to numbers of ex-officers who, at the outbreak of war, volunteered for service in the Army Officers Emergency Reserve and who have since been informed that they are released from the undertaking which they gave; and whether, in the case of those who are anxious to remain on the Reserve in any event, he can give an assurance that if they notify the War Office to that effect a record will be kept of the fact so that they can be called upon if circumstances should ultimately necessitate calling them up for service?
§ Mr. StanleyI naturally recognise the disappointment felt by the ex-officers referred to, but, when it is clear that, either on medical or other grounds, there is no prospect of employment, it is thought better to release members of the Reserve and leave them free for any other service which they may be able to render. Their retention in the Reserve would serve no useful purpose, and would add to the considerable labour necessarily involved in the maintenance of records. Their desire to serve in the Army is, I need hardly say, fully appreciated, and I much regret that it is not possible to accede to their wishes.