§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether a general regimental Order No. 328, of 3rd February, 1919, laid it down that allotment for releases from the services will be made and controlled by the head of the service concerned, and that this will place all men of the same technical qualification on the same footing for purposes of demobilisation; whether a circular memorandum has been issued authorising the release of men over forty-one years of age; and whether, if these instructions are still in force, he will inquire why a special embargo is in force against the demobilisation of any man attached to the L Signal Battalion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. Friend appears to be referring to Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's "General Routine Order" No. 328, of the 3rd February last. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, it is provided that men over forty-one years of age have a certain prioriy of demobilisation. Inquiries are already being made regarding the L Signal Battalion, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.