§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the new instructions in regard to transfer to Home service of men who have served abroad and have been wounded have yet been issued; if so, will he state the terms of the instructions in question; and, if not, when the instructions will be issued?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo instructions have yet been issued. I am afraid that the present military situation is such as to require the services of all men who, though wounded, are fit for combatant service, and that the issue of the Instructions recently under consideration must be postponed to a more favourable time.
§ Major BARNSTONasked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that officers and men who have been wounded three times are still sent 'back to France; and whether, in the future, posts at home can be found for these officers and men?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. I am afraid that under present conditions with regard to available man-power, all men, although wounded, who are fit for combatant duty are required in France, and their retention at home cannot at present be considered.