§ Sir J. JARDINEasked the Minister of National Service if he will make inquiry, with a view to discharge from the Army 517W or at least a prolonged extension of leave granted for three weeks from Egypt, into the case of James M'Kenzie, a sergeant-farrier, Royal Field Artillery, serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, on the following grounds, namely: that he has served in the Army since August, 1914, and in Egypt since May, 1915, that his two brothers are also in the Army, and that his father, now seventy-five years of age and one of the two blacksmiths-serving the great agricultural district of Kelso, Mr. Alexander M'Kenzie, of the Butts, Kelso, will have to close down from having no workers left, which would be a loss to the nation?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThis is a matter which primarily concerns the Scottish Board of Agriculture, from which Department no application has as yet been received for Sergeant M'Kenzie's release from the Colours. Careful consideration will be given to any such application, but I must point out to my hon. Friend that it is unlikely that the War Office at the present time could agree to dispense with the services of a non-commissioned officer with important responsibilities and presumably fit for general service.