HC Deb 19 November 1918 vol 110 cc3351-2W
Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the grounds on which the arrest of Private Ernest David Halstead, No. 948194, 1st Volunteer Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was ordered, in view of th medical certificates which were furnished as to the state of his health?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I issued instructions on Thursday last that all Volunteer drills will, for the present, be voluntary, and that no action should be taken to enforce attendance under the Volunteer Act, 1916. Any Volunteers under detention on this account are to be released, and disciplinary action will not be taken against those awaiting sentence. I am, however, having special inquiries made as to the action taken in this case by the local Volunteer authorities.