HC Deb 25 April 1918 vol 105 c1134W
Sir H. NIELD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the increased demand for fit men for active service, and the depletion of the postal and other public services from which additional men must be drawn, he will consider the advisability of a larger number of men rendered unfit for general service who were formerly in such occupations being relegated to Class W of the Reserve or discharged for substitution, particularly those who are married and with families to support, in order that they may return to their posts in the Civil Service or civil employment to supply the urgent need and, at the same time, to save further expense to the public funds'?

Mr. BECK

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Improved arrangements for effecting the release in substitution of men unfit for general service have recently been made by agreement between the different Government Departments concerned. It is believed that a number of men of the class referred to in the question will, as a result of these arrangements, become available for substitution.