HC Deb 01 June 1916 vol 82 cc2936-7W
Mr. BOYTON

asked whether, under the Military Service Act, soldiers whose services expired before the War will receive notice to rejoin or are they expected to report themselves to their old regiments within the thirty days?

Mr. TENNANT

It is eminently desirable that all discharged soldiers should report themselves as soon as possible either personally or in writing to the Recruiting Officer nearest to their place of residence in order that he may arrange for their medical examination and communicate with the officers commanding the Depôts and Administrative Centres with a view to reposting them to their former units. Notice papers will then be sent to them to call them for service, and to inform them where to report. If they do not receive a notice paper by the 24th July, it will be the duty of every man to report to the Recruiting Office nearest his place of residence on that day.

Mr. NEEDHAM

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the view of many time-expired men who will be compulsorily brought back into the Army that they should be used solely for Home defence; and whether he can make a statement thereon?

Mr. TENNANT

Time-expired men recalled to the Colours will be employed where their services are of most value to the Army. Whether they are employed as instructors in draft-finding units at home, or in Home defence units, or in units in the field, will depend on their qualifications as instructors and their medical fitness for service.

Mr. THOMAS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a time-expired soldier of the Territorial Force, who completed his service after the outbreak of war, but re-enlisted prior to the passing of the Military Service Acts, 1916, is entitled to a bounty from the Government?

Mr. FORSTER

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave last Monday to the hon. Member for South West Ham, of which I will send him a copy.