§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether recruiting officers were supplied by the military authorities with a buff slip, stating that in the absence of Form B 2505a or 2512a, duly signed by the recruiting officer and stating the reason for rejection, being produced and verified the yellow form W 3236 must be adhered to; whether these buff slips were so supplied after he had stated in the House of Commons that such a claim was not being made by the War Office; and whether these buff forms are still in use?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an instruction or recommendation was issued to recruiting officers or other recruiting or medical authorities on or about 16th January to the effect that a man offering himself for enlistment should not be rejected; and whether, inasmuch as unfit men who are thus accepted will have to be rejected when called up with their group, he will make a public announcement in order to relieve such persons from selling up their homes and parting with their businesses under the impression that it is really intended to take them into the Army?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy hon. Friend does not present correctly the terms of the instruction, and the conclusions suggested in the latter part of his question are consequently incorrect. The instruction said that if a grouped man when called up is rejected for any cause, medically or otherwise, he should not be discharged, but should be sent back to his home. Such a man would be liable to be called up again at a later date to be re-examined, but he would be given two clear months' notice before being called up again.