§ Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Labour whether, under the Government Demobilisation Scheme, the soldiers with the longest service overseas will have priority.
§ Mr. McCorquodaleAs stated in the White Paper recently issued, the general basis on which men and women will be released from the Forces after the end of the war in Europe will be by reference to their age and length of war service. The possibility of giving special priority of release to men with overseas service was very carefully considered, but the Government was forced to the conclusion that the difficulties of giving effect to this on an equitable basis were insuperable.
§ Sir R. Blairasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the position regarding demobilisation after the European hostilities cease of the members of the Auxiliary Air Force who have fulfilled their contract for four years' service plus one year in event of war or emergency and who, under the terms of Clause 26 of the Auxiliary Air Force attestation paper, should be eligible for immediate discharge.
§ Sir A. SinclairUnder the Military and Air Forces (Prolongation of Service) Act, 1939, the term of service of men of the Auxiliary Air Force is deemed not to expire until the emergency is declared ended by Order in Council. The Government's plan for the release or transfer 955W from the Forces after the defeat of Germany will thus apply to airmen of the Auxiliary Air Force as it does to other non-regular airmen.