§ 20. Major Digbyasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to replace key personnel in all theatres so as to avoid, in the future, any further compulsory deferments on the grounds of military necessity.
§ Mr. Lawson:Every effort is made to keep such deferments to the minimum possible numbers and to the shortest possible periods. In the case of technicians and other types of men who require long periods of training steps have been and are being taken to train replacements from those who have the necessary qualifications or potentialities.
Mr. Amoryasked the Secretary of State for War why officers of the Royal Signals serving with the M.E.F., with release Group 26 and upwards, have been informed that their release dates will be postponed for a minimum period of three months; and whether this proposed deferment was with his approval.
§ Mr. Lawson:I regret that the release of a small number of officers in the Royal Corps of Signals serving in the Middle East must be compulsorily deferred on grounds of military necessity. Both the 25W number and the duration of the compulsory deferments is being kept to the minimum, and every case is considered on its merits. Unless these deferments took place, the Army in the Middle East would rapidly become unable to fulfil its role.