HC Deb 16 July 1946 vol 425 cc174-5W
88. Colonel Ropner

asked the Secretary of State for War why Royal Signals reserve units in M.E.F. are not being called upon to supply replacements for officers in Royal Signals units in the same area thereby avoiding the necessity of deferring the release of these officers.

Mr. Lawson

I am assured that all possible local sources are being tapped to assist in finding replacements for officers and men whose deferment might otherwise be necessary.

92. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the majority of R.A. officers due for release in age and service Group 36 and serving in C.M.F. have been deferred; and whether such block deferment is in accordance with the policy of his Department.

Mr. Lawson

Up to 1st July none of these officers had been deferred. I have called for a report of the current position and will consider whether any special instructions are called for I explained our difficulties in this command on Tuesday last in reply to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Maldon (Mr Driberg) and South Cardiff (Mr. Callaghan)

95. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers of the Royal Signals serving in West Africa Command have had their release deferred.

Mr. Lawson

Five officers, up to 30th June, 1946

112. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War how many age and service groups in C.M.F. are affected by present orders on block deferments of release; how long these deferments will last; and what is the present flow of replacements.

Mr. Lawson

There are no block deferments, though as regards officers in certain groups in certain arms, many of the individuals comprised therein may have to be deferred. Deferments do not, save in exceptional circumstanoes, last for more than three months. I explained the situation in C.M.F. on 9th July in reply to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) and South Cardiff (Mr. Callaghan).

Mr. Assheton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers in the A.T.S. have had their release indefinitely postponed: and what is the reason for these postponements.

Mr. Lawson

On 30th June, the number of compulsory deferments in the United Kingdom was eight. There were none' overseas up to 15th June, the latest date for which figures are available. They are held until reliefs can be provided, subject to a maximum of three months.