§ Mr. WRIGHTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an application, supported by a petition from over a hundred farmers in the Ashbourne district of Derbyshire, has recently been made to the War Office through the Food Production Department by the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee for the discharge of Saddler F. Lowndes, No. 820168, Royal Field Artillery, in the interest of food production and on compassionate grounds; whether this soldier has served continuously at the front since early in 1915; whether he received his time-expired leave of one month before rejoining in July of this year and special extension of leave until 28th September on account of the death of his father, who carried on a business in saddlery; whether he is aware that his only brother has been killed on active service; that his mother and two young 2540W sisters are left alone; that it has been found impossible to obtain any male assistance to carry on the business, except that of German prisoners of war, which in the circumstances of the family is undesirable; and whether, in view of the change in the general situation, he will take further action in this case?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONA petition for the release of Saddler Lowndes was submitted, as stated by my hon. Friend, and as a result his leave was extended until the 20th October. In view of his high medical category, and the fact that he was employed at his trade in the Army, where his skilled services were required, it is regretted that his leave could not be further extended or his release from the Army sanctioned. Inquiries have, however, again been made as to whether his services can now be spared from the Army in France.
§ Mr. BURDETT-COUTTSasked the Minister of National Service whether men over forty-nine years of age are still being called up; and whether, in the case of a kitchen gardener of that age in sole charge, whose appeal to the tribunal was rejected last August prior to the issue of official circular R 232, recommending the exemption of kitchen gardeners, and who has been called up for 9th November, the man can now be released?
§ Captain CARR-GOMMasked whether he received a letter from the hon. Member for Rotherhithe referring to the application for release from military servce of Private Fermor, No. 801361, 30th London Regiment; and whether anything has been done in the matter?
§ Mr. BECKI should like to take this opportunity of informing the House that my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service is making arrangements for the Demobilisation Department of the Ministry of Labour to take over as early as possible the control of all work on the civil side in connection with release from the Colours, so that all matters relating to demobilisation may be under a single control. I will see that my hon. and gallant Friend is informed as to the particular case to which he refers in his question.